Water quality evaluation by monitoring zooplankton distribution in wild ponds, Noakhali, Bangladesh

Abstract

Pond water quality was evaluated by identifying and estimating zooplankton during monsoon in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Three wild ponds were chosen for monitoring zooplankton distribution which are not used for fish culture or any other commercial purposes. In this study, the Wetland Zooplankton Index (WZI) was employed to engage the zooplankton genera according to their specific WZI values. Two of the sampling ponds were found to have moderate water quality. Additionally, another pond was found with nearly good water quality. Total zooplankton was observed as 5541.67±176.77 ind/L, 9608.34±271 ind/L and 9541.67±176 ind/L in three different sampling ponds. There were four groups of zooplankton as Rotifera (6 genera), Copepoda (4 genera) and Cladocera (6 genera) identified in all the sampling ponds. The physicochemical water parameters as water temperature, water pH, total alkalinity, free CO2, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite were also evaluated in sampling ponds.