Exploring Intricate Interplay between Water Quality Dynamics and Zooplankton Diversity in Chikkere Water Body, Karnataka, India

The study investigates the zooplankton diversity and water quality of Chikkere Waterbody in Sira town, located at 13°75'25" N latitude and 76°90'70" E longitude, covering an area of 10.54 hectares. Water samples were collected from February 2020 to January 2022 across four strategically selected stations. Physico-chemical analysis of the water indicated that all parameters fell within permissible limits, though the pH was slightly alkaline. Zooplankton diversity included groups such as protozoa, rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods, with rotifers being the most dominant, comprising 47.82% of the total zooplankton population, followed by cladocerans (26.1%) and copepods (17.39%). The diversity of fish species was notable, with 23 species belonging to five genera and five families, and the highest species dominance recorded during the summer season. The Shannon diversity index ranged from 2.918 to 3.098, peaking at 3.081 during the northeast monsoon season. The findings stress the importance of long-term conservation strategies to ensure the preservation and ecological health of Chikkere waterbody.