INFLUENCE OF BENTHIC FAUNA ON HYDROCHEMISTRY ANDSEDIMENT IN SASTHAMKOTTA LAKE IN SOUTHERN KERALA, INDIAMUNISHA MURALI S. AND S. SHEEBAAbstract Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest freshwater water body of Kerala with great ecological significance, playing also pivotal role in the supply of water for drinking, agriculture, fishery exploitation, industrial activities, frivolous navigation and water tourism. Due to their importance, the environmental conditions in the Sasthamkotta lake have engrossed an better public attention in present society. The concentrations of various physico-chemical parameters of water and sediment are not exceeding environmental standards. Benthic samples revealed 8 species belonging to Order Diptera, Order Trichoptera and Order Tubificida. The results obtained from the study showed good ecological condition despite numerous local and regional natural and anthropogenic interventions. |