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Indian Journal of Pure & Applied Biosciences (IJPAB)
Year : 2020, Volume : 8, Issue : 3
First page : (493) Last page : (502)
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8155

Species Composition and Frequency Distribution of Different Classes of Micro-Zooplanktons in River Cauvery and Its Important Tributaries in South Karnataka

M. Mahadevaswamy*
Department of Zoology, Yuvaraja’s College, University of Mysore, Mysuru-570005, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: maadhuycm@gmail.com
Received: 10.05.2020  |  Revised: 14.06.2020   |  Accepted: 20.06.2020 

 ABSTRACT

The Species composition and frequency distribution of different classes of micro-zooplanktons in river Cauvery and its four upstream tributaries were studied. The river Lakshmanatheertha was entirely different in terms of biodiversity or species composition of micro zooplankton. For the study of micro zooplankton diversity, one liter of mid stream surface water samples were collected in polythene cans fortnightly and were preserved in 10% Lugols–Iodine solution, for 24 hours. The sedimentation was concentrated to only 20ml, by siphoning off the remaining 980ml of the supernatant. Their number was counted by drop count method and identification was done by using Epifluorescence microscope (BX40, Olympus, Japan). The result revealed that all the micro zooplanktons identified in this investigation were classified under Ciliates, Sarcodines (Amoebae), Copepods, Cladocerans and Rotifers. Based on species composition and frequency distribution zooplankton the Ciliata was the largest and most diverse group (15 genera) followed by Sarcodines (Amoebae) comprising 10 genera, Rotifera 6 genera and Copepoda and Cladocerans 1 genera each. Further, Ciliates form an important link in energy transfer from bacteria, ultra plankton and nanoplankton to higher trophic levels. In addition they also increase the availability of nutrients for phytoplankton growth. In this study more ciliate protozoan was recorded in the river Lakshmanatheertha. The presence of zooplankton species like Paramecium, Strobilidium, Glaucoma, Colpodium, Cyclidium, Coleps, Colpoda, Cyclops, Daphnia, Keratella, Lepadella, Brachionus etc., were recognized as pollution indicators. The presence of all these species in the fresh water indicates eutrophic condition. The eutrophic condition in the present investigation was noticed in river Lakshmanatheertha compared to other water courses studied.

Keywords: Heterotrophic organism, Pollution indicators, Rotifers, Cladocerans, River cauvery

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Mahadevaswamy, M. (2020). Species Composition and Frequency Distribution of Different Classes of Micro-Zooplanktons in River Cauvery and Its Important Tributaries in South Karnataka, Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. 8(3), 493-502. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8155