Abstract

B. Suresh, S. Manjappa and E. T. Puttaiah

The plankton constitutes the basic food source of any aquatic ecosystems, which supports fish and other aquatic animals. Zooplanktons are microscopic animals that eat other plankton. The zooplankton community analysis and saprobiological characteristics of the Tungabhadra River using diversity index during December 2004 to November 2005. The present investigation can enrich knowledge on bio-indicators in understanding the point and non point sources of pollution and also its stress on the aquatic life. The study indicates lower diversity values in the study area. Nearly sixty four different zooplankton species were recorded in the lotic ecosystem. Zooplankton population composed of four species of protozoans, sixteen species of rotifers, fourteen species of crustaceans and three groups meroplankton organisms mainly nymph/larval forms. It is found that among zooplankton community rotifers (43.24%) were dominated group followed by crustaceans (37.84%) protozoan (10.81%) and meroplankton (8.11%). By saprobiological analysis of zooplankton, it has been concluded that the greatest number of indicator organisms belongs to rotifers and crustaceans community. In the present study variations were noticed in the distribution of zooplankton at different selected stations. The zooplankton population dynamics is found to have an influence by sand mining and other human activities.