Correlation between Physico-chemical and ecological variables in a riverine system: A case study

Abstract

A study was conducted at Bijnor district in the Upper Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh from August 2019 to March 2020 to explore the inter-dependence of some selected water quality parameters and two ecological communities viz. Plankton and Ichthyofauna of the river Ganges at the site. Through the period of the study, the site had relatively scarce zooplankton and the fish-fauna consisted mainly of carnivorous catfishes and snakeheads, with very few species of herbivores and planktivores. A correlation analysis between the variables indicates a negative correlation between water temperature and zooplankton density as well as between water temperature and fish species diversity. The study thus brings to light a possible role of rising water temperatures in altering community structures and food webs in freshwater lotic habitats.