A study on influence of sediment properties on zooplankton abundance in Chilika Lake, Odisha, India

Abstract

This study addresses the critical role of sediment properties in shaping zooplankton abundance in Chilika Lake, focusing on temporal and spatial variations across six sampling stations from 2019 to 2021. Key sediment characteristics, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, and conductivity, were analyzed alongside quantitative assessments of zooplankton groups such as Cladocera, Copepoda, and Rotifera. Findings reveal strong positive correlations between sediment organic carbon and nitrogen content and zooplankton abundance, particularly during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Enhanced nutrient availability from organic-rich sediments promotes primary productivity, leading to increased zooplankton growth, with Cladocera and Copepoda showing the most significant responses. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified sediment pH and organic carbon as major determinants of zooplankton community structure. This research underscores the significance of sediment-water interactions in regulating the biodiversity and productivity of Chilika Lake, highlighting sediment properties as key drivers of zooplankton abundance.