Physico-chemical parameters and diversity of zooplankton population in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, India

The Ashtamudi Lake (Estuary), Kerala, India is the source of livelihood for thousands of fishers and eco-tourism but studies have shown that majority of water resources Kerala are highly polluted. This study therefore assessed some physico-chemical parameters and zooplankton assemblage from comparatively unpolluted and polluted areas in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, India. The current study showed the presence of five groups of zooplankton namely: Copepoda (21-26.56%), Rotifera (19.2-24.85%), Cladocera (7.78-24.85%), Ostracoda 11-20.55%) and Insecta (8-23.22%). Zooplankton taxa composition, distribution and dominance of copepod were closely associated with physico-chemical parameters. The dominance of copepods and low taxa diversity indicates pollution. The control of pollution is recommended to make the Ashtamudi Lake suitable for aquatic life and its importance to the inhabitants of Kerala.Keywords: Zooplankton, community, physico-chemistry parameters, pollution, Ashtamudi Lak

Prevalence of copepod parasite in Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India

Many copepod parasites are ecto-parasites which negatively affect the appearance and reduced production of economically important fish species (wild and cultured) which makes their marketing difficult. Copepods have been shown to be the dominant metazoan parasites in Kerala waters. This study therefore examined the prevalence of copepod parasite in Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India. Ninety-seven specimens belonging to the Mugil cephalus were examined for the prevalence of parasite.Keywords: Copepods, parasite, frequency, Mugil cephalus, Ashtamudi Lak

PRIMARY PRODUCTIVTY STUDIES IN SOME AQUATIC BODIES OF KOLLAM DISTRICT (KERALA)

Primary productivity of a water body gives a quantitative information about the amount of energy available to support bio-activity of the system. Three aquatic bodies namely Parappar reservoir, Sasthamcotta lake and Kallada river were selected to conduct primary productivity studies. The studies were carried out from November (19980 to April (1999)

Some physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton biodiversity of Ithikkara River, Kerala, India

The Ithikkara River, Kerala, India is used for drinking, bathing and fisheries purposes. It is important to have information on the water quality of this river considering its importance to the inhabitants of Kerala. The study therefore determined some physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton population of Ithikara River. A total of 4 families and 36 genera with Chlorophyceae (15 genera) as dominant group and Desmidiaceae (1 genus) as least group were recorded. The presence of dominant Chlorophyceae, low genera composition, diversity, abundance and distribution of phytoplankton as well as pollution indicator genera (Synedra, Navicula, Nitzschia, Scenedesmus and Anabaena) signifies that Ithikkara River is polluted. Based on these observations, the study recommends the concerted surveillance on, monitoring and evaluation of the Ithikkara River to avoid indiscriminating discharge of effluents from various human activities within and around the river.Keywords: Microalgae, assemblage, water quality, pollution, Ithikkara Rive

Copper, nickel, zinc, cadmium and lead contamination of soil at Kureepuzha near Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam District, India

This paper discussed heavy metals such as coppper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the soil collected from three sites from the solid waste dumping ground at Kureepuzha, very close to Ashtamudi Lake. Also, control samples were collected and analyzed for the said heavy metals. The levels of all heavy metals differed significantly among the sites. Average values of heavy metals in different sites were higher than those of the levels proposed by European Union (2000). The dump sites in Kureepuzha therefore pose negative consequences on the soil and groundwater environment.Keywords: Heavy metals, solid wastes disposal, compost, Kureepuzha dumping sit

Fish diversity in Vembanad Lake, Kerala, India

Vembanad Lake is under increasing pressures from anthropogenic and climate factors. The study evaluated the fish diversity in Vembanad Lake in order to ascertain its health. Fish samples caught with different types of nets namely cast net and gill net were collected from September 2012 to February 2013 from local fishers at the fish landing centre. A total of 20 species belonging to 18 families and 19 genera were recorded from the study area during the present study. Diversity of fishes and threats to the fauna are discussed. The low fish species composition denotes that Vembanad Lake is threaten, that is, undergoing degradation.Keywords: Fish assemblage, species composition, threats, Vembanad Lak