Authors : A. V. Dorlikar
Page Nos : 49-54
Description :
Zooplankton diversity and species richness can be affected by physico-chemical characteristics,
morphology of lake and human activity in the catchment area of the lake. Zooplankton diversity and the physicochemical characteristics of the lake is an important criterion for evaluating the trophic status of the lake and suitability of water for domestic purposes. Thus study was undertaken to evaluate the zooplankton community structure diversity, seasonal variation in the population and its correlation with physico-chemical parameters in
Ghodazari Lake. The present study was undertaken for a period of 6 months from January 2016 to June 2016. Water samples were collected on monthly basis from selected sampling site for analyzing the physic-chemical parameters and population dynamics of the zooplanktons in the reservoir. A total of 26 zooplankton taxa were recorded: 11 rotifers, 5 copepods, 7 cladocerans and 3 ostracods. Zooplanktons were present in the following order
of dominance; Rotifera > Cladocera > Copepoda > Ostracoda. The physico-chemical parameters considered in the present study were: water temperature, pH, transparency, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. Correlation coefficients (R) were determined using correlation matrix to identify the correlation between zooplankton diversity and physico-chemical parameters.
Shanon-Weiner Index was in the range of 4.51 to 4.61 indicating lake preserves rich plankton diversity. Presence of pollution tolerant taxa like Brachionus , Keratella and Lecane spp. indicate semipolluted water of the reservoir. The trophic status of the lake evaluated from the zooplankton analysis and physico-chemical parameters indicates that the lake is mesotrophic nature.
