Study on limnochemistry of river Godavari in Nashik with reference to Zooplankton

Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem for maintaining its stability and means coping with any environmental change. Zooplankton abundance and distribution are of ecological importance, as they are very sensitive to change, therefore zooplankton makes ideal indicators of aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, various physico-chemical factors with zooplankton were assessed over a period of one year (Feb. 2011-Jan. 2012) to note the chemistry and quality of Godavari river water at Nashik. Physico-chemical factors like pH, DO, total hardness, alkalinity, total phosphate, COD, BOD and organic matter were recorded. The Godavari River is a highly contaminated downstream with untreated sewage and industrial effluents. The high value of COD, BOD, Total Phosphate and low value of DO at discharge point indicates increase in organic pollution which has been observed in S3 and S4 sites of the river. Throughout the sampling station we have observed that the rotifer is a dominant zooplankton species which clearly indicates pollution load present in river Godavari, which would be very helpful for policymakers to take precautionary measures to save river Godavari from being pollute.