Biodiversity And Seasonal Distribution Of Zooplankton In Freshwater Systems

Freshwater ecosystems play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing essential resources for human activities. Zooplankton are microscopic aquatic organisms that occupy a central position in freshwater food chains and serve as reliable indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. The present study investigates the seasonal variation of zooplankton diversity and its relationship with physicochemical parameters in the Sathnala Project reservoir located in Adilabad district, Telangana. The study focuses on four major zooplankton groups namely Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda. Seasonal sampling was conducted during summer, monsoon, and winter periods to analyze species diversity, abundance, and distribution patterns. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient concentration were also evaluated. The findings indicate that seasonal variations significantly influence zooplankton communities and water quality characteristics. Higher zooplankton abundance was observed during summer due to increased nutrient concentration and phytoplankton growth, whereas monsoon conditions resulted in reduced diversity because of dilution and increased turbidity. Winter showed moderate abundance with relatively stable ecological conditions. The study confirms that zooplankton communities are effective bioindicators for freshwater ecosystem assessment and water quality monitoring. The research contributes important baseline data for ecological studies and sustainable management of freshwater resources in Telangana.