Biological monitoring in west bay, Laguna Lake: Phytoplankton composition and water pollution

Abstract

Phytoplankton composition and density were studied in three (3) stations in West Bay, Laguna Lake. Blue-green algae and diatoms were the most abundant in terms of cell density. Green algae had the most number of species. Diatoms predominated in the early parts of the year, under intense light conditions. Pulses of green algae were evident toward the end of the year, under high nitrogen concentrations. BIP (Biological Index of Pollution) values were very much affected by seasonal variations in the phytoplankton community.