Influence of Seasonal Fluctuations on Physicochemical Characteristics and Plankton Diversity of Nathsagar Reservoir, Maharashtra, India
R. S. Suryawanshi
PG Department of Zoology, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, (Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pravaranagar, A/P Loni, Tal- Rahata, Dist- Ahilyanagar- 413713, Maharashtra, India.
D. K. Mhaske
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara, India.
Anil R. Kurhe *
PG Department of Zoology, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, (Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pravaranagar, A/P Loni, Tal- Rahata, Dist- Ahilyanagar- 413713, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The seasonal variation in water quality and plankton distribution was studied in the Nathsagar Reservoir, Maharashtra, India, to ascertain the role of physico-chemical parameters on plankton dynamics. Sampling was conducted at 10 sites (summer, winter, and monsoon) in 2022. Parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, BOD/COD, TDS, electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity (ALK), hardness, and major ions were tested according to standard methods. Correlations indicated positive associations among temperature, pH, turbidity, BOD, COD, and ions, and Cyanophyceae and Rotifera. In the studied water bodies, this implies that high temperatures, an alkaline environment, and organic enrichment have facilitated phytoplankton blooms and the development of a zooplankton community. By contrast, a significant positive correlation was found between dissolved oxygen and Bacillariophyceae, Cladocera, and Copepoda. The seasonal patterns indicate consistent plankton communities during winter, while pollution-tolerant taxa dominate in the monsoon and summer months. The study emphasises the influence of physicochemical factors on plankton distribution in Nathasagar Reservoir.
Keywords: Physicochemical parameters, seasonal variation, plankton diversity, Nathsagar reservoir