ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY AND SEASONAL VARIATION OF THREE LAKES IN COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Abstract

The present study was carried out to examine the diversity and density of zooplankton in Ukkadam Lake, Kuruchi Lake and Singanallur Lake in Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu for the period of September 2012 to August 2013. The samples for Zooplankton analysis were collected early in the morning by plankton net of silk bolting cloth size of 25 µ and preserved in 4% formalin and glycerine for zooplankton analysis. During the present study period, a total 30 of genera of zooplankton composed of 8 genera of protozoa, 9 genera of Rotifer, in which 7 genera belonged to Cladocera and 6 to Copepoda were recorded in all the three lakes. Dominance of Rotifers indicated the eutrophic status of these studied lakes. Species diversity index for zooplankton population varied from 1.74 to 3.63. The zooplanktonic fauna of this lake were abundant during summer season while minimum numbers were recorded during rainy season. The present study findings clearly indicate intensified eutrophication of studied lakes.