EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON PLANKTON COMPOSITION IN FISH CULTURE PONDS OF KABIRDHAM DISTRICT, CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

The aim of the present study was to evaluate effect of physico-chemical parameters on plankton diversity of four lakes of Kawardha, Chhattisgarh. The physico-chemical parameter has significantly affected plankton diversity (p<0.05). Kankali pond was found to be more productive (113.44±6.67 indi./mL) with slightly alkaline pH (8.793), higher oxygen saturation (8.581mg/L) and optimum hardness (116.785 mg/L) followed by Bhojali pond (81.216±5.31 indi./mL). The identified zooplankton groups included Cyclops, Copepods, Keratella spp. and Paramecium spp. while the phytoplankton included Spirulina spp., Volvox spp., Euglania spp., Spirogyra spp. and Chlorella spp. In phytoplankton, Chlorella and Spirulina were observed in bulk while in zooplankton, Cyclops and Copepods were observed in huge quantity. Based on data obtained, the lowest productivity was observed in Rewabandh pond (29.99 ± 0.33 indi./mL) because of lower water quality like less dissolved oxygen (4.886 mg/L), more free CO₂ (2.41 mg/L) and higher transparency (30.379 cm). From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the selected ponds can efficiently be used for fish production. The purpose of this study was to propose the government about the potential of fish culture in these ponds for effective utilization of available resources and to generate daily livelihood for local people.