Seasonal Variation of Genus Oscillatoria (Vaucher) in River Ganga at Kanpur

The genus Oscillatoria (Vaucher) is most commonly occurring cyanobacteria which plays an important role inbloom formation inwater bodies. It isthe most pollution tolerant genus. Several species of Oscillatoria (Vaucher) involved in the production of cyanotoxins which may cause severe problems to human and other domestic animals. Some species also produce several bioactive secondary metabolites which can be applicable in various diseases. The study on the diversity of Genus Oscillatoria (Vaucher) in River Ganga at Kanpur was carried out seasonally [summer season (February to May), rainy season (June to September), winter season (October to January)] during the period from February, 2013 to January, 2014. During the present study 31 species of Oscillatoria (Vaucher) have been identified from different sampling stations of river Ganga at Kanpur between Bithoorghat to Jajmaughat. The minimum species diversity of Oscillatoria (Vaucher) has been recorded at Bithoorghat and maximumat Jajmaughat. The species of Oscillatoria (Vaucher) showed remarkable seasonal variation in time and space.