Population dynamics of zooplankton in a highly eutrophic lake

The study was carried out on Anchar Lake for a period of one year, from March 2016 to February 2017 to evaluate population dynamics of zooplankton. During the investigation, a total of 22 species belonging to four classes were recorded, among which class Rotifera was found the most dominant with a population density of 1533 ind/l followed by Cladocera (1251 ind/l), Copepoda (969 ind/l) and Ostracoda (143 ind/l). Of all the 22 species recorded, one site was found to be the least diverse with only 15 of the 22 species present. Second site had 19 species, while as third site A3 was found to have 18. Shanon Weiner index values recorded for three sites were 3.73, 3.89 and 3.93, respectively. It was quite evident that the lake is in a very dreadful state as pollutants from SKIMS Soura find a free entry into the lake. Anchar Lake is surrounded by agricultural land and run off from the fields worsen the lake by adding nutrients leading to further increase in the eutrophication of the lake. Considerable decrease in the zooplankton population was recorded as compared to previous studies, attributed to ever increasing pollution levels of the lake. A prompt action regarding the revival of this precious water body is need of the hour.