Journal of Environmental Biology

Ostracods as indicators of pollution in the lakes of Mysore

B. Padmanabha* and S.L. Belagali

Department of Studies in Environmental Science, Manasagangothri University of Mysore, Mysore-570 006, India

(Received: February 16, 2006; Revised received: August 25, 2006; Re-revised received: January 05, 2007;  Accepted: January 22, 2007)

Abstract: Ostracods are small crustaceans found in aquatic habitats and the present paper deals with the role of water quality index on their population diversity and seasonal fluctuations in the four lakes of Mysore city. The present investigation was carried out from July 2004 to June 2005. The study revealed highest water quality index and population density of ostracods during summer and least during winter. Dalvoi lake recorded higher water quality index (125.04), population density (60 l^-1) but lower species diversity (2 species) of ostracods, whereas Kamana lake recorded lowest water quality index (63.49), population density (40 l^-1) and highest species diversity (6 species) of ostracods. Increase in the water quality index indicates increase in the pollution load.  As water quality index (WQI) increases, population density of ostracods increases but species diversity decreases.

Key words: Mysore lakes, Water quality index, Ostracods, Pollution, Population diversity

PDF of full length paper is available with author (padmanabhavb@yahoo.co.in)

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