ASSESSMENT OF SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES OF MUL LAKE, CHANDRAPUR, MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Mul lake, located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, is an important freshwater body supporting diverse aquatic life, including a variety of zooplankton species. Positioned near the town of Mul at coordinates approximately 20.0699"N and 79.6783"E, the lake plays a crucial role in the local ecology and economy by providing water for irrigation and supporting fisheries. The zooplankton community in Mul lake comprises major groups such as Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda, which form a vital component of the lake’s food web. These organisms are essential for maintaining the aquatic ecosystem’s balance as they serve as primary consumers feeding on phytoplankton and, in turn, act as prey for higher trophic levels like fish. Studies conducted in Mul lake over extended periods have documented the abundance and diversity of zooplankton, highlighting seasonal variations influenced by physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. Understanding the fluctuation of zooplankton populations in Mul lake, aids in assessing the lake’s ecological health and informs conservation and management efforts in this agriculturally important region of Maharashtra.