Limnological Study on two High Altitude Himalayan Ponds, Badrinath, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Present study has been done on two high altitude Himalayan ponds situated near the Badrinath temp le, Uttarakhand (India). During the investigation physico-chemical and bio logical analysis (Phytoplankton & Zooplankton) were carried out at two selected sites one in each pond. A total 131species of phytoplankton and 51 species of zooplankton were encountered from both the ponds. Among phytoplankton, class Cyanophyceae was the most dominant whereas, among zooplankton Rotifera was the dominant class during the study period. Most of the phytoplankton and zooplankton species recorded fro m both the water bodies are indicators of higher trophic status. Physico-chemical features of ponds showed the nutrient rich water of both the ponds. Presence of various planktonic species and higher trophic status of both the ponds at high altitude showed the impact of high anthropogenic pressure as well as favourable environmental factors like temperature. Also, the impact of global warming on micro flora and fauna present in water bodies situated at high altitude has been discussed. Present study is preliminary work on these two ponds which will provide the baseline data for the further studies. Some further studies required to establish the importance of various environmental factors wh ich are responsible for the growth of more p lanktonic species at higher altitudes.

Monitoring of algal taxa as bioindicator for assessing the health of the high altitude wetland, Dodi Tal, Garhwal Himalaya, India

“…Cladophora sp., in high altitude lake, Dodi Tal. Similar finding in Kailash Lake, Kashmir Naik et al, [10] ; Kumar et al, [7] in Badrinath Ponds, Uttarakhand. Members of Bacillariophyceae can be used as bio-indicator for water quality evaluation, Stevenson and Pan [17] ; Goma et al [4].…”

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“…The dominant species were Cymbella sp., Navicula sp., Nitzschia sp, and Synedra sp. similar results were reported by Kumar et al 42 in the ponds of Badrinath. The maximum (703 ind.…”

Scope of ornamental fisheries in snow fed rivers of Uttarakhand - Overview

“…These fishes are endowed with great power of locomotion and they are well adapted to withstand the fast water current and high dissolved oxygen levels. These water bodies are snow fed, situated at high altitude and are oligotrophic, do not support the diverse group of planktonic flora, fauna and benthic organisms (Kumar et al, 2012). Khanna et al, (2013) studied the fish diversity and limnological status of Ganga river system in foothills of Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand.…”