Journal of Environmental Biology

Ecology of Baskandi anua, an oxbow lake of South Assam,

North East India

Susmita Gupta* and S. Sushila Devi

Department of Ecology and Environmental science, Assam University, Silchar-788 011, India

*Corresponding Authors Email : Susmita.au@gmail.com 

Publication Data

Paper received:

01 August 2012

Revised received:

25 December 2013

Accepted:

13 January 2014

Abstract

A study was made on the physico-chemical properties of water and phyto and zooplankton communities of Baskandi anua, an oxbow lake of South Assam during March to August, 2009. Analyses of water showed acidic to slightly alkaline pH (5.4 - 7.9) with dissolved oxygen ranging from 4.26 to 11.83 mgl^-1 and total alkalinity from 31.25 to 65 mg l^-1, indicating the productive nature of water. Free CO2 fluctuated from 2.93 to 15.04 mgl^-1. PO4 and NO3 concentration ranged from 0.15 to 1.4 mg l^-1 and 0.06 mg l^-1 to 4.94 mg l^-1, respectively. Conductivity, pH and free CO2 were found higher at the sites surrounded by paddy fields. Mean values of physico-chemical parameters significantly varied between the sites and were found to be influenced by one or more of the following factors viz. rainfall, depth and influx from adjacent paddy field. A total of 30 phytoplankton taxa and 12 zooplankton taxa with qualitative dominance of Chlorophyceae were recorded. The study revealed that water quality of the lake was good for aquaculture. Hence, the lake should be protected and best management practices should be implemented for sustainable production.

Key words

Baskandi anua, Ecology, Plankton communities, Oxbow lake

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