Study of aquatic insects, their role in improving biodiversity and balancing the food web of a freshwater ecosystem at Karadkhed Dam in Nanded, Maharashtra

Abstract

Fresh water ecosystem plays very crucial role in ecology and it maintain ecological balance of flora and fauna on the earth. Aquatic insects are among the most diverse groups of animals of especially in the fresh water ecosystem. Aquatic and terrestrial food chains both include aquatic insects as essential components. Due to their involvement in the energy and nutrient cycling through food chains and webs as well as their role in water purification, aquatic insects serve as the link between the aquatic and terrestrial ecology. The water quality Acts as a limiting factor for biotic components in an aquatic ecosystem. The aquatic biodiversity gets affected by several factors such as industrial pollution or anthropogenic activities. Present investigation is an attempt to document abundance and diversity of aquatic insects and the role of aquatic insects in the food web of a fresh water karadkhed dam, Nanded, Maharashtra. The study was carried out during 2021 to 2022, including the three seasons.