Effect of some abiotic factors on zooplankton productivity in a subtropical pond in Jammu, India

Abstract

Study of a water body at Jammu was carried out for a period of one year from January 2004 to December 2004 to observe various water quality parameters and zooplankton dynamics. Temperature, Dissolved oxygen, Free Co 2 , Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Calcium, Magnesium and Chlorides were estimated on monthly basis. A total of 12 zooplankton species were identified comprising of three major planktonic groups viz. cladocera, rotifera, and copepoda. Moina among cladocera and Brachionus among rotifera were present at high as well as low DO level, therefore revealing their wide tolerance for oxygen variation. Dominance of Copepods during period of high pollution characterized by high temperature, high Free CO 2 and low level of Ca ++ and Mg ++ reveals their importance as pollution indicators. Zooplankton population was mainly contributed by cladocerans (46.39%) followed by rotifers (44.12%) and copepods (9.48%).

Temperature: A Vital Factor for the Zooplankton Growth and Seasonal Fluctuations.

“…(Table-9, fig: 23) Rotifera maximum coexistence was seen in the month of June (8 species) where as Protozoa maximum coexisted in May and September (4 species) followed by Copepods in June (9 species), Cladocera in February and December (6 species) and both Genera of Ostracods in July, August and September. The adaptability of Rotifers to wide range of temperature variation supported their growth in summer months (Langer et al, 2007). Copepoda increase in summer month was due to their preference to warm temperature (Dar et al, 2009).…”

“…(Table-7) Maximum number in summer months could be due to their preference to warm conditions except the month of February. (Langer et al, 2007). Quantitative contribution has maximum been by Cyclops bicolor .…”