37-Seasonal variations in the Plankton Density at an urban and rural ponds of semi arid zone of Gujarat

Abstract

Wetlands, being the transitional zone between land and water are highly productive ecosystems, standing second only to Tropical Rain forest. Only after the realization of their significant role as an ecosystem, studies regarding them as complete ecosystem are initiated with reference to the biodiversity. Urbanization has played a major role in limiting this biodiversity. Out of various parameters that affect the wetland dynamism, the primary producers (Phytoplankton) and the primary consumers (Zooplankton) are the major components affecting the overall state of wetlands. The present study discusses the variations in the plankton density at an urban pond and a rural village pond of semi arid zone of Central Gujarat India. The three groups of plankton studied are Phytoplankton (Group I), Rotifers (Group II) and Crustaceans (Group III). The study reveals the fact that the plankton densities are different at the village pond and the urban pond. It has been observed that seasonal variations at the rural village pond are significantly high as compared to that at the urban pond. Seasonal dominance of the species is also different at the two ponds with Crustaceans dominating both the ponds through out the year whereas rotifers dominating only during post monsoon at rural pond. Effects of eutrophication are discussed.