Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

STUDIES ON THE WATER QUALITY AND ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY OF THE VEERANAM LAKE IN CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

A. KRISHNAMOORTHI AND S. SELVAKUMAR

Abstract

The present study has been made to investigate seasonal variations of water quality and distribution and abundance of zooplankton in Veeranam lake in Cuddalore district. Samples were collected monthly at five different locations during the year of June 2008 to July 2009 and analysed for various physico-chemical parameters and a total of 27 zooplankton species made up of 5 protozoa, 7 rotifera, 6 c1adocera, 4 copepoda and 5 other zooplanktons were identified. The summer, premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon months mean values are taken for statistical analysis. The physico-chemical values were compared with standard values recommended by WHO. There are significant variations in water quality and zooplankton abundance during different seasons. The maximum values and zooplankton abundance during premonsoon and summer and decline during postmonsoon and monsoon. This is due to level of water, dilution of water during monsoon in the lake.