Ecological status and zooplankton diversity of Sikandarpur reservoir, Basti (U.P.)

Sikandarpur, an untouched major reservoir (about 98 hec.) from biological study view point, located in south to Basti (U. P.) was investigated for its ecological status and zooplankton diversity from June 2004 to May 2005. The yearly water flow in this reservoir relied on rains and the mean annual rainfall was recorded to be 1085 mm with 46 rainy days. The average value of water temperature was recorded to be 30.19°C, pH 7.67, transparency 60.19 cm, DO 6.40 mg/l, free CO₂ 3.20 mg/l, TDS 180.06 mg/l, total hardness 159.88 mg/l, total alkalinity 292.17 mg/l, conductivity 260.52 μmhos/cm and chloride 35.67 mg/l. In the present study total 20 species of zooplankton were identified. Out of which 4 species belongs to protozoa, 8 species from rotifers, 4 species each form cladocera and copepoda. The seasonal changes of zooplankton in relation to ecological status are still under investigation. The study of species diversity and abundance with respect to abiotic factors help in further planning for the management of intensive fish culture.