Zooplankton diversity in relation to physicochemical parameters of perennial pond

Abstract

Background & Aim: The present study deals with Zooplankton population and physico-chemical characteristics of a
perennial pond of Tarikere city. Methodology: Sampling was done monthly between 8am and 11am, from January
2014 to December 2014 and analyzed the various parameters such as, air and water temperature, pH, Dissolved
oxygen, Alkalinity hardness, calcium, and magnesium, BOD, CO2, Sulphate, Phosphate and Chloride. Results: Air
temperature was minimum in December (23.5 ̊C) and maximum during June (37.5 ̊C), and water temperature ranged
from 18.4oC in December to 36.3 ̊C in June. The pH ranged from 7.0 to 8.1. Dissolved Oxygen ranged from 3.24mg/L
to 7.33mg/L. BOD ranged from 4.0mg/L to 6.88mg/L, CO2 was maximum 7.7mg/L in February and minimum
3.1mg/L in May. Phosphate ranged from 0.31mg/L to 0.36mg/L and Sulphate ranged from 120mg/L to 170mg/L.
Total 18 Zooplankton species were found under the five different groups, such as Cladocera (3 Sp), Rotifera (6 Sp),
Cepepoda (4 Sp), Ostrocoda (2 Sp) and Protozoa (3 Sp). Conclusions: Rotifers were found to be maximum compare
to other groups of Zooplankton. The large amount sewage water is introduced to the pond that leading to increasing
nutrient content and amount of phosphate in the water body which indicates that water is eutrophic in nature.