Dynamics of Zooplankton Diversity in Freshwater Ecosystems across Seasons: Impact of Phosphate and Other Factors

When it comes to aquatic habitats, the diversity of species is a good indicator of their quality. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of seasonal changes on the zooplankton biodiversity of Tavarekere Lake (latitude 12.4555° N, Longitude 75.9570° E.) in Kodagu, Karnataka, India. This study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2021. Sixteen species belonging to Rotiferal, Cladocera, Copepods, and Nematodes were documented. At this site, rotifers were abundant at 50%, followed by Copepods at 31%, Cladocera at 13%, and nematodes at 6%. The population density followed the order Rotifers>Copepods> Cladocera> Nematodes, with the highest population in the pre-monsoon season (summer) and the lowest population recorded in the monsoon season. The CCA plot showed a positive correlation between zooplankton and surface water temperature. This study shows that zooplankton diversity is seasonal and changes in response to environmental parameters, as it was observed that, with increasing temperature, the species diversity varies, which will impact the balance of the food chain and can be utilized as a potential tool to monitor and maintain water quality.