Identification of marine micro algae in correlation with water quality assessment of coastal region of Maharashtra, India

The recent marine algae study was carried out in the coastal region of Maharashtra, which is a district of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg between 2021 and 2022. Water and algae samples were collected between September to October, mainly because to availability of algae is maximum in this period. The sampling locations were decided based on both previous work performed by researchers and on a literature review. The sampling sites were fixed based on the size of study area, sampling site accessibility, availability of algae on surface and substratum of the rock or wall. The microalgae were collected and preserved in plastic jar containing 3% to 4% formalin. The water samples were collected and specific physical and chemical parameters such as pH with pH meter, dissolved oxygen (mg/L) by DO meter, and temperature (Celsius) by digital thermometer were analyzed in situ. The remaining physical and chemical parameters were analyzed in the departmental research laboratory using standard methods outlined by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The collected micro algae were identified by a standard microscopy method using key references and with the help of algae experts. The main objective of the present research was to conduct extensive research on the collection and identification of diverse algal species in a coastal region to determine algal diversity, to determine the water quality standard and to measure the occurrence of algae in water.