Physico-chemical parameters and diversity of zooplankton population in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, India

The Ashtamudi Lake (Estuary), Kerala, India is the source of livelihood for thousands of fishers and eco-tourism but studies have shown that majority of water resources Kerala are highly polluted. This study therefore assessed some physico-chemical parameters and zooplankton assemblage from comparatively unpolluted and polluted areas in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, India. The current study showed the presence of five groups of zooplankton namely: Copepoda (21-26.56%), Rotifera (19.2-24.85%), Cladocera (7.78-24.85%), Ostracoda 11-20.55%) and Insecta (8-23.22%). Zooplankton taxa composition, distribution and dominance of copepod were closely associated with physico-chemical parameters. The dominance of copepods and low taxa diversity indicates pollution. The control of pollution is recommended to make the Ashtamudi Lake suitable for aquatic life and its importance to the inhabitants of Kerala.Keywords: Zooplankton, community, physico-chemistry parameters, pollution, Ashtamudi Lak