Deciphering The Interplay Of Hydrological Parameters, Plankton Community, And Icthyofauna In Patela Pond, A Southern Rajasthan Ecosystem

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are areas with high levels of biodiversity. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complex interconnections among hydrological factors, plankton communities, and fish variety is essential for developing and implementing effective conservation programmes. This study examines the distinctive environment of Patela Pond, southern Rajasthan, India. Our goal is to understand the complex relationship between these ecological elements and how they impact the diversity of fish in the pond. Our analysis will examine the simultaneous composition and abundance of the plankton community, with a specific emphasis on the phytoplankton and zooplankton groups and the relationship between water quality, plankton quantity, and the diversity richness of fish species. During the survey 37 different forms of phytoplankton were identified; (out of these, the genus of Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae predominate over the genus of Bacillariophyceae and Desmidiaceae); 28 different forms of zooplanktons were identified; (these forms belong to the phylum Copepods, Rotifers, Cladocerans, and Protozoa). The value of physico-chemical parameter observed between November 2022 to October 2023 including water temperature (17.75℃ to 42.15℃), pH (7.8 to 8.6), free CO₂ (1.09 ppm to 3.48 ppm), DO (5.1 to 5.7 mg/l), nitrate (0.38ppm to 0.95 ppm) and alkalinity (0.87 to 0.92).