J. Vijayakumar and Nageswara Rao Amanchi
Abstract
Ciliated protozoans are vital indicators of aquatic ecosystem health, reflecting the impacts of environmental changes. This study aims to investigate the diversity of ciliated protozoans in Sathnala Pond, Adilabad District, Telangana, and analyze how various physicochemical parameters influence species composition and abundance. Water samples were collected monthly over six months to assess physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Ciliate diversity was studied using Shannon-Wiener & Simpson indices and correlation analyses were performed between species richness and physico-chemical parameters. A total of 22 ciliate species, belonging to 8 classes were identified. Among these, three species belong to the class Karyorelictea, two to Litostomatea, two to Heterotrichea, one to Phyllopharyngea, one to Colpodea, eight to Oligohymenophorea, four to Spirotrichea, and one to Prostomatea. Higher species richness was observed during the months of June and July 2024. The study highlights the critical role of physicochemical parameters in shaping ciliate communities, emphasizing their importance as bioindicators of ecosystem health. Understanding the relationship between ciliated protozoans and physicochemical parameters in Sathnala Pond can guide local conservation efforts suitably.