Ecological study of zooplankton communities in the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake (Chitgar-Tehran) and the first report of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sp. (Cnidaria, Limnomedusae) in Iran

This study focused on zooplankton structure, biodiversity, relationship between a biotic parameters and zooplankton variation, and trophy state of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake (Chitgar-Tehran). Based on the lake condition, samples were collected by Juday net at the 5 stations between 2013 and 2014. This study identified 36 zooplankton taxa comprised of Arthropoda (6 genus), Protozoa (6 genus), Rotatoria (20 genus), Nematoda (1 genus), Gastrotricha (2 genus) and Oligochaeta (1 genus). Furthermore, the first record of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sp. in Iran, with size group of 15-20 mm in diameter in September is reported in the Chitgar lake. The Rotatoria abundance average was measured 61 ±18 ind.l-1 in the lake. The Nematoda, Gastrotricha and Oligochaeta taxa were measured the lowest abundance (< 1 ind.l-1 ) in this study. The annual average zooplankton abundance was measured as 72±18 ind.l-1 . The PCA displayed, the Rotatoria Trichocerca sp. and Polyarthera sp. were dominated with high components loading, low variance and high abundance. The CCA showed, there was no correlation between Rotatoria abundance and a biotic parameters. Based on the zooplankton structure and bio-indicator, the lake situation is in the meso-oligotrophic category. Thus, it is might be increased eutrophication trend due to no management and no aquatic control in this ecosystem

The density and distribution of zooplankton in the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake (Chitgar Tehran)

Cheetgar Lake or Persian Gulf Martyrs' lake is an artificial lake in the North west of Tehran is located in district 22 of Tehran municipality.The lake covers an area of 130 hectares, which is located north of forest park Cheetgar. In south,to Tehran-Karaj highway, In north Hemmat expressway, from East to Azadegan expressway and west and from residential areas district 22 of Tehran municipality is limited. Kan River from East and Vardavard of West cheetgar Lake crossing and Kann River is the main source of water of the Cheetgar Lake now. Plankton is one of the important factors related to water quality. In this context, understanding the biological and nonbiological lake and its ecological status of a useful tool for managing sustainable exploitation with an emphasis on water quality is maintained. This study focused on zooplankton structure, biodiversity, relationship between a biotic parameters and zooplankton variation, and trophy state of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake (Chitgar-Tehran). Based on the lake condition, samples were collected by Juday net from the bottom to the surface (of a cylindrical column) at the 5 stations between 2013 and 2014. Than 4% formalin fixed samples and transferred to the laboratory for quantitative and qualitative study. In laboratory planktonic samples after determining the volume and mixture, were transferred by pipette to 5ml chambers and after sufficient time to sediment, were identified and counted by inverted microscope. This study identified 36 zooplankton taxa comprised of Arthropoda (6 genus), Protozoa (6 genus), Rotatoria (20 genus), Nematoda (1 genus), Gastrotricha (2 genus) and Oligochaeta (1 genus). The Rotatoria abundance average was measured 61±18 ind.l-1 in the lake. The Nematoda, Gastrotricha and Oligochaeta taxa were measured the lowest abundance (<1ind.l-1) in this study. The annual average zooplankton abundance was measured as 72±18 ind.l-1. The PCA displayed, the Rotatoria Trichocerca sp. and Polyarthera sp. were dominated with high components loading, low variance and highabundance. The CCA showed, there was no correlation between Rotatoria abundance and a biotic parameters. Based on the zooplankton structure and bio-indicator, the lake situation is in the meso-oligotrophic category. Thus, it is might be increased eutrophication trend due tono management and no aquatic control in this ecosystem

The density and distribution of phytoplankton in the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake (Chitgar Tehran)

Cheetgar Lake or Persian Gulf Martyrs' lake is an artificial lake in the North west of Tehran is located in district 22 of Tehran municipality. The lake covers an area of 130 hectares, which is located north of forest park Cheetgar. In south, to Tehran-Karaj highway, In north Hemmat expressway, from East to Azadegan expressway and west and from residential areas district 22 of Tehran municipality is limited. Kan River from East and Vardavard of West cheetgar Lake crossing and Kann River is the main source of water of the Cheetgar Lake now. Plankton is one of the important factors related to water quality. In this context, understanding the biological and nonbiological lake and its ecological status of a useful tool for managing sustainable exploitation with an emphasis on water quality is maintained. This study focused on phytoplankton structure, a bioticlimiting factors in phytoplankton bloom at the 5 stations between 2013 and 2014 in the Chitgar Lake. according to profile Lake after visiting five stations in the lake water body determined that Different depths are sampled. Sampling of phytoplankton is done by using a liter Ruthner sampler in layers and deep level (of a cylindrical column) were taken. Than 4% formalin fixed samples and transferred to the laboratory for quantitative and qualitative study. In laboratory planktonic samples after determining the volume and mixture, were transferred by pipette to 5ml chambers and after sufficient time to sediment, were identified and counted by inverted microscope. This study identified 35 phytoplankton taxa comprised of diatoms (12 genus), chlorophytes (15 genus), cyanophytes (4 genus), dinoflagellates (2 genus) and chrysophytes (1 genus) in the lake. The finding showed, the diatom abundance dominate (average of 2060000 ± 230000 cells.l-1) in the Chitgar lake. The annual average phytoplankton abundance was calculated as 2550000 ± 304000, with the maximum value recorded in February 2013 (4400000 ± 450000 cell. l-1). The PCA analysis displayed, the diatoms Cyclotella sp., Achnanthes sp. and Chrysophte Dinobryon sp. were dominated in the study period. Based on CCA analyses, total nitrogen and water temperature were the significant parameters to increase cyanophytes and dinoflagellates abundance in the Chitgar lake. In overall, the lowest phytoplankton abundance recorded in the Chitgar Lake as compared with other lakes which is an meso-oligotrophic category with the latest trophy state lake. Thus, it is might be increased eutrophication trend due to no management and no aquatic control in this ecosystem

The study and feasibility of Cheshmeh-Ali River and down stream area of Shahid Shah-Charaghy Dam in Damghan for aquaculture development

This research was conducted to finding of Cheshmeh-Ali and Shahcheraghi-Dam downstream areas potential for developing of aquaculture industry. The present study was conducted based on available information and data from monthly and seasonally sampling including geographical area, margin lands and fluctuations of river water, seasonal climatic changes view point of rainfall, temperature, wet, evaporation, wind velocity, sunshine hours, frost and also chemical and physical parameters of water including temperature, alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, organic phosphorous and nitrogen, suspended solids, turbidity, water flow and flood conditions, and in addition phytoplankton and zooplankton communities, macrobenthic invertebrates, fishes, aquatic plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds. Results showed that the upstream and downstream regions of Shahcheraghi dam are not suitable for warm water aquaculture in earthen ponds. But view point of cold-water aquaculture, particularly trout, there are some good situations. Also it can be suggested different culture systems including of race way, octagonal concrete ponds, semi-circulation and circulation methods. But, due to water restrictions in the area, semi-circulation and circulation system is preferred. In ideal conditions can be produced about 1,600 tones of trout, if all the capacity of this area be used for aquaculture. Otherwise, in limited circumstances view point of exploitation possibility of the water, only about 700 tons can be produced. In addition, there were appropriate facilities in spring area of Cheshmehali for tourism industry, that it can be considered as priorities for economic development in the region. Due to the low sensitivity of the ecologically conditions, native or exotic aquatic species rearing in indoor methods can be recommended

Population structure study of Anzali wetland zooplankton

Anzali wetland is one of the most important places for spawning fishes and zooplankton groups are the first consumer in this ecosystem. They are the perfect food for the larvae of fishes. Zooplankton status was evaluated in 6 stations of different areas of the Anzali wetland during March 2011 to February 2012. Sampling was done by tube (PVC) and passing through of 30 micron planktonic net. The samples were identified and counted by invert microscope. According to the results were identified 60 Genus and 6 phylum (11, 31, 10, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2 genus of phylum Protozoa, Rotatoria, Arthropoda, Gastrotricha, Mollusca, Tardigrada, Nematoda, Porifera, Annelida) respectively. The results showed that the maximum annual average density of zooplankton was observed with 2497 number per liter in Karkan station and the population was more in the summer than in other seasons. Phylum of Rotatoria,, protozoa and superclass Copepoda formed 48, 45 and 6percent of the density respectively. According to the results the population of zooplankton did not change much compared to past studies, excluding Protozoa but the diversity of all zooplankton group are declined very much. According to the statistical analysis Kruskal Wallis are not significant differences between density of zooplankton in different stations, months and seasons (p > 0.05), but significant differences were found in different phylum together (p<0.05)

Studying native fishes in Hamadan province

Studying native fishes of Hamadan province have been done in 159 stations from 51 important water resources (wetland, reservoir, spring, river and qanat) using with electric tool, cast-net, seine and gill-net gears from July 2010 to Oct. 2011 and the main aims were species identifying and determining their distribution and abundance in the studied area. In the study, 33411 fish specimens are caught in 257 times of sampling and selected randomly about 8500 individual and laboratory works showed the fish belong to 37 species from 7 families. Cyprinidae with 25, Nemacheilidae with 6 and Sisoridae with 2 species had the most diversity and Cobitidae, Poeciliidae, Salmonidae and Mastacembelidae had only a representative. 31 fish species were native or endemic and 6 species were alien. Fish species existed in all rivers of Ghezelozan and Sirvan sub-basins but there were not any fish in 10 rivers of Ghara-Chai sub-basin and in 6 rivers of Gamasiab sub-basin, too. Also, it was observe 1-3 fish species in 15 rivers, 4-6 fish species in 10 rivers, 7-10 fish species in 5 rivers and more than 10 fish species in 4 main water resources and Gamasiab sub-basin with 32 fish species was the most diversified and Ghezelozan sub-basin with 2 fish species was the least diversified. There were any species to 4 (mostly 1 or 2) fish species in studied qanats in Ghara-Chai and Gamasiab rivers sub-basins. 23 fish species existed in a subbasin, 12 species in 2 sub-basin, Capoeta capoeta in 3 sub-basin and Squalius cephalus in all sub-basins of studied area. Alburnoides nicolausi,Capoeta aculeata and Alburnus mossulensis have had the most frequency. Studying fish abundance showed Oxynoemacheilus argyrogramma with 17.8%, Garra rufa with 12.3%, A. mossulensis with 12.1% and C. aculeata with 10.2 % of total number of caught fish specimens are dominant. S. cephalus, Capoeta damascina, C. aculeata, C. trutta, Chondrostoma regium and A. mossulensis have had sport fishing value but Acanthobrama marmid, Oxynoemacheilus kiabii, Oxynoemacheilus kermanshahensis, Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi, Alburnus caeruleus and Mastacembelus mastacembelus have biodiversity value for being endemic or having limited habitats in Iran

The study and feasibility of Cheshmeh-Ali River and downstream area of Shahid Shah-Charaghy dam in Damghan for aquaculture development

To reveal the fisheries productivity and to get the maximum possible exploitations of the running water resources, existing potentials for aquaculture in Shit and Kordabad rivers in Tarom of Zanjan province were surveyed in a one year round study. In this way 4 and 3 sampling site were respectively selected in Shit and Kordabad rivers and benthic macroinvertebrates and water samples were collected and analyzed at least two times a season and fish fauna were also sampled and studied only two times during the period. All the measured water quality characteristics(such as O_2, water temperature, pH, nutrients, NH_3, BOD_5 and . . . ) were within the normal range suggested for the cold water fish culture. In both rivers no significant differences (p≤95%) were detected for physicochemical parameters within the study sites except for electrical conductivity and total hardness which differed in the firs and last station. Depletion of Agricultural run off and residual from the adjacent farmlands and municipal drainages into the water body of the rivers, were certainly effective in these changes However none of water quality parameters exceed the maximum permitted level for aquaculture. According to the benthic macroinvertebrates study 38 family of 12 taxa and 26 family of the 11 taxa were identified in Shit and Kordabad rivers respectively, most of them belonged to the aquatic insect larvae of the sensitive groups. Community structure indices and Hilsenhof family level biotic index proved a "very good" to "good" water quality criteria for the study sites in both rivers .One fish species in Shit and five species (4 of them were endemic) were identified in Kordabad river. Despite acceptable water quality in Shit river, some inhibiting factors such as adjacent farmlands and dense agricultural land use, high slope of river valley in most region which cause rare suitable lands for locating aquaculture sites, very limited access to road and electricity supply and lack of acceptability to manipulate or divert river water for fish farms, by the local people, are the major constrains for constructing trout farms in Shit river. However constructing a 15 mt capacity rainbow trout farm is possible at first 2 kilometers of the upstream where the water quality and quantity are relatively better and there are some lands with low slope and access to road and electricity supply. Kordabad river has a similar criteria and water quality and quantity at upstream is desirable for rainbow trout culture. The first 2 kilometer of this river is capable of constructing trout farms in some non cultivated lands. Moreover the Kordabad natural dam reservoir is available to conduct its water for further demands. In addition a total of 75mt rainbow trout production in the form of 2 or 3 separate site is possible in this river. Even though the local climate particularly in Kordabad river is acceptable for carp fishes, however land limitations, soil texture and the high volume of water demands, make warm water fishes commercial production impossible

Adaptation and use of amphipoda in fish culture ponds in order to increase fish production

Use and enrichment of live food resource in fish farms have been interested and highly demanded. Crustacean are one of the important groups. The Pontogammarus maeoticus dominated in southern Caspian Sea shore with a high abundance. This study was designed in order to adaptation and usage of amphipoda in fish culture ponds. The first part have been surveyed the laboratory experiments including of; to increasing and developing of P.maeoticus in 200 litter container, the effects of salinity on growth and survival of amphipods in many aquariums, the culture of common carp with amphipods and growth determination of them. Chemical composition analysis of P.maeoticus and carps fed by amphipods in compare to cultured carps from ordinary ponds. Due to concern about common healthy the heavy metal concentration has been measured in P. maeoticus, carp which were fed by amphipods and the cultured carps in earth ponds. In second phase; the adaptation of two amphipods species, P. maeoticus and Obesogammarus acuminatus was studied in fish ponds where some cages with sandy soft substrate had been provided for amphipoda replacement. Also a small surface of ponds surrounded by net and covered by Azola plant, a habitat suitable for to putting of O. acuminatus. Production of amphipoda had not the successfully results in large tanks. Aquariums with Caspian Sea water had the prosper results where the specimens were breeding and developing properly, even though in some aquarium with freshwater increased the amphipods number. The chemical composition had not significant difference between two kind of cultured carps while the organic component in amphipoda had a high quality. The better quality of cultured carp by amphipod diet have been confirmed by organoleptic test. The results of heavy metal measurement in amphipoda showed a high concentration which some of them were transmitted to cultured carps. Result of amphipoda replacement in cage was not satisfy and the specimens were died after some days. According to hydro-chemical parameters the oxygen poorness and high trophy levels were the affective factor to abolish of specimens in cages. It seems that there are many type of P.maeoticus that can be adapted in different salinities. The molecular differentiation should be investigated to choose the suitable type of this spices for utilization in freshwater fish ponds. In other hand it can be used in fish culture ponds that will be supplied by brackish water

Bio-ecological study of river estuaries in Guilan province

The Caspian Sea with brackish water is known as typical environment due to geo position, precious biota and the largest land-enclosed drainage area in the world. Macrobenthos were performed the main group of the Caspian Sea fauna. While they use as environmental bio-assessment, they have not completely studied in the Caspian Sea especially in estuaries environments. In this survey were studied eighteen river estuaries in Guilan province off Caspian sea southwest including Asrara, Chelevand, Lemir, Havigh, Shirabad, Khotbesara, Lisar, Karganroud, Navroud, Nokandekeh, Sefidrud, Heshmatrud, Langerud, Polerud and Chabokrud. The macro-invertebrate sampling was conducted seasonally at eight stations during autumn 2008 to autumn 2009. The macrobenthos organisms were identified as possible level in genus or species. The Shannon Wiener diversity and the Hilsenhoff biotic indices were used for evaluation of environmental quality. In this study, 69 genus identified that belong to 36 families and 16 orders. The most presentation of genus belongs to Chironomidae family with twenty six genus while others families were included forty three genus. The most average of macro-invertebrate abundance belong to order of Diptera with 35 %, subsequently the abundance of Amphipoda and Bivalvia orders occupied the second rank with 8.2 %. Orders Polychaeta, Oligochaeta and Cumacea had a low abundance during the study, however the Polychaeta showed a high abundance in some seasons and stations (up to 25%). The Plecoptera was rarely observed in some stations with high abundance. The Stenogammarus genus had the normally distribution during study, while Chironomidae genera as Eukifferiella and Cricotopus were measured in the high abundance during autumn 2008 to spring 2009. While Streblospio and Limnodrilus had the high presentation during winter and spring 2009, Cerastoderma sp. showed a high percentage in spring and summer 2009. The result of Shannon Wiener index values showed a significantly difference among regions for most seasons. There was also observed significantly difference for diversity values among stations in different seasons. According to Hilsenhoff biotic index for water quality classification; the most stations had good quality in spring 2009, while they were slightly and moderately good condition in winter 2009. The water quality of the Caspian Sea stations was in good condition as compared with the rivers estuary stations

Studying the impacts of the rainbow trout farms effluents on Sabzkooh River in Charmahal-O-Bakhtiari Province

Sabzkooh in Ardal and Gandoman region in Charmahal province with annual production of 1300 metric tons of rainbow trout, is one of the most important rivers in the province. The effects of fish farms effluent on the river water quality and the possibilities to develop or limit the existing ones were studied. Flora and fauna of the river including Phyto and zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fishes were sampled and studied. Moreover some key physico-chemical water quality parameters, concentrations of stable pollutants (heavy metals: Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and agricultural poisons (herbicides or pesticides: DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate) and Coliform contamination were also measured. All phytoplankton genus were of tow taxa, Cianophyta and Chrysophyta and zooplankton fauna belonged to Rotatoria, Protozoa and meroplanktonic chirinomids and nematodes. Four fish species from 3 families were identified of which rainbow trout had the highest relative frequency (94.6%).All the measured heavy metals including Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cd and the agricultural poisons concentrations such as DDT, Lindane, Alderine and indosulfate were lower than the hazardous level suggested for the surface waters. According to the benthic macroinvertebrates populations study, stations at downstream (no. 6 and 7) which received the Chartakhteh and Rudarud farms effluent had least EPT richness and the hilsenhof family level biotic index at this locations was greater than 5.25, classifying them as having organic pollution. Even though measured key physico-chemical parameters such as nutrients (N and P compounds and BOD5) in the receiving stations and effluent water never exceed the maximum permitted range but in downstream stations these factors were very close to the range. One way analyze of variance (P 95%) for TN, TP, No_2, NH_4, BOD_5, pH, PO_4 and Ec revealed no significant differences between stations before and just after receiving the effluents, however these parameters in the effluents themselves significantly differ from upstream stations 1,2 and 3 proving relatively lower organic pollution and the potential for constructing new farms or expanding the existed ones in upstream region from Chartagh to Dehnoo. At downstream from Dehnoo to Rudarud and lower parts, dense trout farm effluents in addition with point and non point pollution (municipal, agricultural and other coming run off from the catchments area) had remarkable effects on the river water quality and as a result no farm construction or expansion is recommended. To avoid or reduce the existing farms effects on the river system there should be certainly some remediation actions carried out. Constructing sedimentation ponds before releasing the effluents, obeying the rule of water extracting, preventing fish escape, increasing feeding efficiency and controlling the lateral inlets from catchments area which are potentially pollutant, should be considered to improve the situation and prevent further environmental problems caused by fish farms effluent in these area