Download Introduction Aquatic ecosystem is the most diverse

Introduction
Aquatic ecosystem is the most diverse ecosystem in the world that includes rivers, streams,
ponds, lakes, oceans, bays, swamps, marshes and their associated organisms. Aquatic habitat
provides food, water, shelter, and space essential for the survival of aquatic animals and plants.
First life originated in the water and first organisms were also aquatic, where the water was first
external as well as internal milieu for organisms. Thus water is the most vital factor for the
existence of all living organisms. Very less amount of water content in the river (0.00015 %) and
lakes (0.01 %) that comprises the most valuable fresh water resources. (Bhalla, 2006)
The quantity and quality of water is of vital importance, since it is directly linked with
human welfare. A reliable and safe water supply is the basic requirement for development and
stability. In a view of the depletion of water resources and deterioration of the quality of water
available to the living organisms due to various reasons including industrialisation, urbanisation,
conservation and management of water bodies has primary importance. To conserve the valuable
water bodies from further deterioration there is need for a regular monitoring of the aquatic
ecosystem. Comprehensive biomonitoring process involves both physico-chemical and biological
approaches and gives exact status of the aquatic ecosystem. Biomonitoring of water bodies at
regular intervals also help to understand the composition of biota and its dynamics and
implication of water quality on tropic structure and vice-versa. In the overall process of evaluation
physical, chemical and biological nature of water in relation to the natural quality, human effects
and intended uses, particularly the uses which may affect human health and health of aquatic
ecosystem itself is termed as water quality assessment (Chapman, 1996).
Hydrobiology, the science of life and life processes in water is a special section of
limnology, the science of inland waters (Schwoerble, 1970). Hydrobiology includes include the
biological, physical and chemical aspects of the river, lake and pond water. The goal of the current
study is elucidation of basic environmental functions of an ecosystem. The Godavari River is 2nd
largest river in southern India. It rises in Sahyadri hills at an altitude of about 10067″m near
Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra State and is important for water quality
management.
Different physico-chemical parameters of water and their monthly variations studied in
the four selected sampling stations of Godavari River. Physical parameters define those
characteristics of water that respond to the sense of site, temperature, Conductivity, Total
dissolved solids, Suspended solids and chemical parameters are related to the solvent capabilities
of water like pH, Total Alkalinity, Total hardness, chlorides, dissolve oxygen, biological oxygen
demand, chemical oxygen demand, sodium, phosphates, ammonia, NO2+NO3 Microbial Parameter
Total coliforms and Faecal coliforms. Total eighteen parameters were studied with their
correlation with themselves as well as biotic components like zooplanktons (Rotifers, Cladocerans,
Copepodes) at four stations A, B, C, D (Gangapur dam, Near Someshwar temple, Ramkund
upstream and Ramkund downstream) respectively. Fort night survey was carried out and three
seasons were considered (winter, summer and monsoon) as per climate of central India. The
physico-chemical parameters showed significant seasonal variations. These temporal fluctuations
were either by various physico-chemical parameters which were positively or negatively correlated
to each other and on the other hand with the biotic components too, indicating the cumulative
influence of the physic- chemical parameters to govern the biotic components of the river.
Further, among the biotic parameters zooplankton density and diversity are studied.
Zooplankton plays an important role in maintaining the equilibrium between living organisms and
abiotic factor. Zooplanktons were also influenced by the changes in abiotic parameters as well as
biotic parameters or the combination of both (Christou, 1998; Roff et. al., 1998; Escribano and
Hidalgo, 2000; Beyst et al., 2001). Although zooplanktons exist under a wide range of
environmental conditions, yet many species are limited due to temperature, dissolve oxygen and
other physico-chemical parameters.
Zooplankton constitutes an important link in food chain as grazers (primary and
secondary consumers) and serves directly or indirectly as food for fishes. Therefore any adverse
effect to them is reflected with decline in the fish population. Thus monitoring them as biological
indicators acts as a forewarning for the fisheries particularly when the population affects the food
chain (Mahajan, 1981). Thus the use of zooplankton for ecological bio-monitoring helps in analysis
of water quality trends, development of cause-effect relationships between water quality and
environmental data and judgement of adequacy of water quality for various uses.
Thus the present study deals with the hydro-biological studies of one important aquatic
ecosystem of “Godavari River”.
Objectives:-Objectives of present study were as follows,
 To assess the quality of Godavari river water using various physico-chemical and
biological parameters.
 To evaluate the load of pollutants entering into the Godavari River, using key parameters
such as a DO, BOD and COD etc.
 To study the zooplankton population diversity.
 To study the total zooplankton population density.
Study Area: Godavari River:Nashik has a glorious history of 4500 years of rich culture, religion and wisdom. Nashik
city has grown on both sides of river Godavari, the area under control of the Nashik Municipal
Corporation measures about 259.12 sq.km. Nashik is situated on the eastern slopes of North –
South Sahyadri ranges at 565 meters above mean sea level. It is located between 90035″ and 20052″
North latitude and 73016″ and 74056″ East longitude. The Godavari River selected for the present
investigation originates in the Nashik district at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra State. It rises in
the Sahyadri range near Trimbakeshwar and drains in Nashik and Niphad Tahasils. After passing
through Trimbakeshwar town, Godavari turns to east cutting deep and rock bed. During its
course, many small and seasonal streams, meet Godavari, the important is Kadawa, Kashyapi, and
Nasardi, the Girna, the Mosam and Darana (Census of India 1991), all these river are east
flowing origination in Sahyadri.
Materials and Methods:To study the hydrobiology of river, four sampling stations A, B, C and D as Gangapur
dam, Near Balaji temple, Ramkund upstream and Ramkund downstream respectively of Godavari
River were selected. Abiotic and biotic parameters were studied by fortnight surveys carried out
for two years from May 2009 to April 2011
Physico-chemical parameters: Among physical parameters, Temperature, Conductivity, Total
dissolved solids, suspended solids whereas for chemical parameters, pH, DO, Chlorides, Nitrates
and Nitrites, Phosphates, BOD, COD, Ammonia, Sulphate Total alkalinity, Total hardness were
estimated using standard methods of analysis as per APHA (2005).
Zooplanktons: To collect zooplankton thirty liters of water was filtered using a zooplankton net
No.25 and sample was preserved in 4% formalin and brought to the laboratory for detailed
studies. Qualitative and Quantitative studies of zooplanktons were carried out with the help of
keys given by Edmonson (1963), Sarode and Kamat (1984), Battish (1992) and APHA.
Results:Physical parameters and Chemical parameters:- Temperature is one of the most important abiotic
factors which regulate various activities. During the study period, water temperature showed
fluctuation in accordance to climatic change. Maximum temperature was recorded in summer and
minimum in winter. Total solids includes total dissolved solids and suspended solids which showed
seasonal variations. Chemical parameters include pH, Total hardness, Alkalinity, Chlorides.
Phosphates, Nitrites and Nitrates, BOD, COD, DO, Total dissolve solids, suspended solids and
Electrical conductivity. These parameters showed seasonal variations.
Biotic parameters:-
The biotic parameters include zooplanktons. In the present study the
abundance and species richness of zooplankton groups in decreasing order were Rotifer > Copepod
> Cladocera species. Richness of total zooplanktons were fluctuating by seasonal variation and
correlation with parameters. Zooplankton data was studied by using different biodiversity indices.
The results obtained are duly supported by the statistical calculations. The data of the
result as obtained is presented in the form of tables and graphs, and photographs. Correlation
studies are presented with the calculated r values.
After summary and conclusions, the references are quoted at the end of the thesis.