Zooplankton Diversity and Limnological Parameters of Salchapra Anua, an Oxbow Lake in Silchar, Assam
Abstract
Limnological parameter and plankton diversity are an important criterion for determining the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking purpose. Lake Pichhola has greatest importance for humankind. The specific status of limnological characteristic and diversity of plankton in lake Pichhola have been studied through seasonal surveys in two annual cycles (2005-06 and 2006-07) and annual survey of fishes in two annual cycles (2005-06 and 2006-07). The water remained moderately alkaline (pH 7.5) while electrical conductance (0.3958 mS/cm), TDS (237.5mg/l), chloride (176mg/l), hardness (174.33mg/l) and alkalinity (207.16mg/l) showed low mean values. Average dissolved oxygen levels were at 5.75mg/l while average nitrate and phosphate levels were 3.70mg/l and 2.79mg/l respectively. On the basis of water quality parameters in general, lake Pichhola was found to be eutrophic. A high rate of primary production (302.085mgc/m2 /hr), diversity of phytoplankton (58 forms), zooplankton (104 forms) and fish (15 species) were also observed during the study period. Therefore, lake Pichhola has rich number of species and biodiversity of aquatic animals.
Keywords: aquatic, limnology, sampling, water quality