Seasonal dynamics of zooplankton in a eutrophic fish pond of Bangladesh in relation to environmental factors

Abstract

Zooplankton is crucial for transmitting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. A study was done in a Bangladesh eutrophic fish pond to know zooplankton's seasonal dynamics in relation to environmental factors. There were 11 different zooplankton genera, which belong to three major classes: Copepoda, Rotifera, and Cladocera. Peak abundance of zooplankton was found in the spring and winter, respectively. Cluster analysis clearly indicated zooplankton abundance during the spring and winter. Rotifera was the main dominant group in the total zooplankton population. Copepoda and Cladocera had a lower abundance than those of Rotifera. During the study period, environmental factors were observed monthly. The total zooplankton abundance showed a positive correlation only with pH and a negative correlation with transparency, dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, and temperature during Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis. The canonical correspondence analysis also indicated that pH, transparency, and temperature significantly affect the abundance of zooplankton groups. Therefore, further research on the influence of environmental factors on different species of zooplankton is strongly suggested for achieving sustainable fish production from eutrophic fish ponds.