2015 Vol.21 No.1 PP 45-54

DIVERSITY OF ZOOPLANKTON IN MORNA LAKE, WESTERN GHATS, MAHARASHTRA.

M.R.Abdar

Department of Zoology, Krantisinh Nana Patil College, WALWE Dist. Sangli (M.S.) India
E-mail: abdarmohan01@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Morna Lake is largest lake of ShiralaTahsil in Sangli District, Maharashtra. It is constructed over Morna River in the basin of Krishna. Present study was undertaken to investigate the physico – chemical characteristics and diversity of zooplankton of the Morna Lake. The presence of Brachionuscalyciflorus, Brachionusrubense. Brachionusfalcatus from rotifers, Cyclops, Mesocyclop from copepods and, Ceriodaphnia, Chydorus, Moina, Macrothrix from cladocerans, pollution indicated species of zooplankton dominantly shows in station A (Shirala) and Station B( Padali) . These sites were infested not only by the influx of animal waste but also polluted due to domestic activities like bathing, washing, human activities and agricultural practices. The Lake was found to be moderately polluted and showed a trend of increasing eutrophication.

Key words :Diversity, Eutrophication, Morna Lake ,Physico–chemical characteristics, Pollution, Zooplankton.