Abstract: Phytoplankton is key producer of aquatic ecosystem and useful for determination of water quality. Water samples from four water sources of Dooars area, Alipurduar, West Bengal – Collegepara pond, Ramthakur temple pond, Samuktala nayunjali and Santali rain water were collected and preserved with 4% formalin. Phytoplankton diversity of the collected samples was studied microscopically. Algal taxa were identified on the basis of morphological characters and with the help of standard literature. Total 36 algal genera were obtained from four spots. Diatoms are dominating group among the different class of algae. Sample site 4 i.e. Santali rain water showed the highest algal diversity. The microscope used for the present study is an origami paper microscope invented by Dr. Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulsky, Dept of Bioengineering, Stanford University, USA. This paper microscope is ultra-affordable called Foldscope. Its magnification is 140X and resolution is 2µ. The photographs were taken by camera of smart phone Samsung S9+ and photographs were magnified through digital zoom of the camera. This sort of study is first time in the said region which will inspire and engage students and researchers to preserve our natural resources explored with ultra-affordable frugal invention like foldscope.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Foldscope, Phytoplankton, Water bodies, Dooars.
Title: Study of Phytoplankton Diversity in few water sources of Dooars area, WB through Foldsacope- an Origami Paper Microscope
Author: Jyotsna Das, Ria Sen Chowdhury, Sraddhya Roy, Debashis Das
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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