Agricultural and Biological Research

Assessing the waterbodies through water quality index and zooplankton diversity for environmental sustainability of Bankura, West Bengal, India

Subhajit Mahanty, Dipankar Saha, Ajoy Karmakar, Saptarshi Mandal, Rakesh Kumar Mandal, Dechen Doma Bhutia and Surajit Majumder*

Waterbodies play a fundamental role within the society, impacting various aspects of our lives. In an aquatic ecosystem, plankton diversity regulates the productivity of these waterbodies. The distribution patterns of plankton are closely associated with the distinct physicochemical attributes exhibited by each waterbody. This research aims to investigate the intricate relationships between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution across diverse waterbodies encircling the Bankura district. The focal point of this study is to discern the correlations between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution within the specified waterbodies. The comprehensive approach here involves the collection of both water and plankton samples, followed by a meticulous measurement of physicochemical parameters and plankton diversity, adhering to well-established methodologies. The sampling was done between August 2022 to May 2023. The study sites have been classified into two categories. Normal waterbodies and bloom forming waterbodies. Statistical methodologies are harnessed to find correlations and interdependencies. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of all physicochemical parameters and zooplankton showed highly significant difference (p<0.05) between two categories of waterbodies. The results unveiled significant insights, particularly the notable Pearson’s correlation (p<0.05) between different physicochemical parameters and zooplankton group. Occasionally, waterbodies became enriched with nutrients (PO₄^-3-P, NO₂^--N), which subsequently trigger excessive plant growth, a phenomenon recognized as eutrophication, culminating in the formation of toxic red algal blooms. One potential causative agent behind these red blooms is Euglena sp., Several diversity indices are used to evaluate the abundance and species richness in the waterbodies. Water quality index of different study sites has been developed to find the status of the waterbodies. The current investigation strongly underscores the significant correlations that exist between the plankton diversity of the studied waterbodies and their underlying physicochemical attributes. This insight not only enhances our comprehension of the intricate dynamics within these ecosystems but also emphasizes the imperative role of physicochemical parameters influencing plankton distributions.