Diatom Flora of Kalath and Khirganga Thermal Springs of Himachal Pradesh, India

Diatoms are fascinating group of microorganisms; abundant in all aquatic habitats. They are used as reliable environmental indicators. In the present study diatoms flora of Kalath and Khirganga thermal springs of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh were examined for the first time. Water temperature for these springs range between 39-48°C with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Total eighteen taxa of diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) reported during study belonging to seven genera. Diatom species of Nitrogen heterotrophic- Nitzschia and Gomphonema dominated in these thermal springs. It indicates water of these springs is rich in nitrogen due to pollution. Present study adds twelve new taxa to the algal flora of Himachal Pradesh.