REVIEW OF LITERATURE

chapter-3 a^'^npipnfriffirntum = =

Review of Literature

Limnology is referred to as the study of the physical, chemical, and biological

properties of fresh water. The history of limnology covers a period of barely 100 years.

Forbes (1887) was the first to treat 'natural waters as a microcosm', Birge and Juday

(1911) can be regarded as the founders of scientific limnology in North America. The

Swede Einer Naumann in 1917, first considered the biological relationships in the lake

water column, especially the production of phytoplankton, and assigned the lake types,

and defined the sedimentary features depending on their organic content. Studies on the

relationships of the water based organisms and their behaviour in natural waters are still

wanting (Elster, 1974).

Odum (1962), the contemporary American ecologist has defined ecology as "The

study of the structure and function of ecosystems. The branch of science that deals with

the study of algae is called phycology (Phykos-in Greek- Alga). The history of phycology

is as old as mans interest in botany. The actual progress regarding the scientific findings

on the algae began with the invention of microscopes. Antony van Leeuwenhoek reported

a number of unicellular algae and flagellates 1674 considered as birth of microbiology.

Victor Hansen, a German marine biologist first coined the term 'Plankton' in

1887, who studied on their distribution, abundance and composition during the 19"̂

century. According to Hansen's terminology, 'plankton' (singular - Plankter) included

all organic particles 'which float freely and involuntarily in the open water, independent

of shores and bottom'. As the plankton was discovered active work was then carried out

on them during the nineteenth century. Hansen's plankton did not specifically exclude

non-living particles, so it is regarded as synonymous with 'seston' in Kolkwitz's (1912)

CHapter- 3 = = = ^ : = ^ = = = = = = : ^ = = = ^ = <Rfview of Literature

terminology, 'seston' (=Ceston) for particulate dead or living matter drifting passively in

water. The term 'Tripton' coined by Wilhelmi (1917) for non-living particulate matter is

still valid. By the discovery of plankton, active work was then carried out in this field

during the nineteenth and twentieth century.

Studies on the fresh water characteristics of India were started during the

nineteenth century, which includes the works of, Krishnamurthy (1954) worked on

Diatom flora of South India. Edmondson (1955) studied the seasonal life cycle and

history of Z)<3p/zwfl in an arctic lake.

Some of the contributions in the field of limnology include those of Singh (1965)

who studied the Seasonal fluctuations of phytoplankton periodicity and physico-chemical

characteristics of a lake near Delhi and concluded, that high dissolved oxygen content of

water containing abundant vegetation is invariably accompanied by increased pH and

decreased carbon dioxide and nitrate. Cairns (1965) studied and listed some of the

environmental requirements of fresh water Protozoans. Zafar (1967) worked on the

ecology of algae in certain fishponds of Hyderabad. Banerjee (1967) studied the water

quality and soil conditions of fishponds in some states of India in relation to fish

production and reported some of the important physico-chemical factors, which influence

the pond productivity individually or synergically are depth, temperature, pH, dissolved

oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total alkalinity, salinity and dissolved nutrients. Palmer

(1969) studied the use of density and diversity of phytoplankton and their association as

biological indicators in the assessment of water quality or trophic status and listed out

algal indicators that contain ten most pollution tolerant algal genera, they are Ocillatoria,

Euglena, Nayicula, Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Nitzchia, Stigeoclonium, Phormidium,

= chapter-3 lYT'frTfi^fTYrnTf—r

Scenedesmus. and Synedra. Venkateshwarlu (1969a) conducted the ecological study of

river Moosi, Hyderabad with special reference to water pollution factors algal population.

Munawar (1970) carried out limnological studies on fresh water ponds of

Hyderabad and stated that at high temperature during summer organic matter in water

increased and oxygen was consumed in the process leading to oxygen depletion in the

water body. Patrick (1971) studied the effects of increasing light and temperature on the

structure of diatom communities. Kumar et al, (1974) conducted ecological studies on

algae isolated from effluents of an oil refinery, fertilizer factory and a brewery.

Nasar (1975) studied the cladocerans fauna of Bhagalpur, Bihar. Santisi (1979)

made preliminary accounts of phytoplankton investigation in some lakes of Montesirino

Basilitata, Italy and stated that two-fold increase in phosphorus concentration will

increase four-fold population of chlorophyll algae. Singh and Swaroop (1979) studied the

limnological aspects of Suraha lake, Ballia.

Some of the publications on the study of lentic waterbodies and factors

influencing the growth arid reproduction of planktons include those of Zutshi et al,

(1980) who studied the limnobiological aspects of nine lakes in Jammu and Kashmir.

Quadri and Yousuf (1980) studied the limnological aspects of lake Malpur. Sharma and

Michael (1980) studied the effects of nutrients and temperature on life process of

Brachionus sp. Pandey and Pandey (1980) studied the ecology of Diatoms in Allahabad.

Pandey et al, (1980) studied the physico-chemical characteristics and diatom flora of

Chilka Lake, Allahabad. Venkateswarlu et al, (1981) studied the ecology of algal blooms

and the different factors responsible for bloom formation, in different fresh waterbodies

of Hyderabad city and concluded that Euglenoid flagellates occur in a medium with pH

IQ

=: Cliapter-3 ^view of Literature

around neutrality (7.2), more chlorides, ammonia, organic matter and Microcystis grows

abundantly in waters with high pH (9.6), more chlorides and high organic matter.

Ramakrishnaiah and Sarkar (1982) studied Plankton productivity in relation to

certain Hydrobiological factors of Konar Reservoirs (Bihar). Hosmani and Bharathi

(1982) studied the usage of algae in classifying waterbodies. Bharathi and Hegde (1983)

carried out elaborate research on the desmids of Kamataka state and Goa. Sharma and

Saksena (1983) studied the; Seasonal variations of the copepod component of zooplankton

in a perennial tank. Mitra (1982) also observed that potassium is found to be in lower

concentration than sodium in pure waters. Reshi and.Kachroo (1984) listed the

euglenophyceae of Doodhghandha stream, Kashmir. Arcifa, (1984) carried out elaborate

work on the Zooplankton composition often reservoirs in Southern Brazil and concluded

that large species of copepods find shelter in temporary weedy ponds and can be found

among macrophytes. Studies on zooplankton diversity in several fresh waterbodies in

India have been reported by several workers, which includes those of Sarma & Patnaik,

(1985) who studied the ecological aspects on zooplankton of freshwater ponds in and

around Bhubaneswar. Patil and Gouder (1985) carried out Limnological studies on fresh

water zooplankton of a subtropical pond of Dharwad district. Unni (1985) made a

comparative limnological study of several reservoirs in central India. Blouin et al, (1985)

made comparative study on plankton water chemistry relationships in three acidic

stressed lakes in Nova Scitia, Canada. Sankaran unni, (1985) made comparison study on

phytoplankton distribution in major Indian reservoirs with other tropical and temperate

counterparts. Puttaiah and Somashekar (1985) studied the limnological aspects of Mysore

11

Cliapter-3 (l>Pi>ii>iii nfr.itprntiirp = =

city ponds. Rao and Sharma (1985) investigated the Mictic and amictic modes of

reproduction in the rotifer Brachionus patulus.

Bagde and Varma, (1985) studied on J.N.V. lake at New Delhi and concluded that

the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms is an important factor in

consumption of DO which is more vigorous in warm weather. Sahai et al, (1986) studied

the effect of fertilizer factory effluent on the distribution of zooplankton in Chilwa Lake.

Zafar, (1986) worked on some tanks of south India and recorded higher values of

phytoplankton count during non-rainy season. Datta and Chaudhari (1986) studied about

the effects of some physico-chemical parameters on abundance of cladocerans in

brackish water impoundment of West Bengal, India.

Puttaiah and Somashekar (1987) investigated on the distribution of Euglenoids in

lakes of Mysore city and observed that desmids have low tolerance limits to polluted

waters and pointed out that higher carbon dioxide and lower concentration of oxygen

significantly contribute to the abundance of Euglenoids. Puttaiah and Somashekar (1987)

studied the ecology of desmids in lakes of Mysore city. Zutshi and Khan (1988) studied

the Eutrophic gradient in Dal lake, Kashmir.Primala and Ayappan (1989) studied fresh

waterbodies in Bangalore and concluded that chloride, Sulphates, and organic carbon

play a significant role in the formation of algal blooms. Jindal and Singh (1989) studied

the toxic effect of pesticides to the productivity of a fresh water pond.

Further publications on the lentic waterbodies includes those of Peter Kilham,

(1990) who studied the chemistry of lakes in Africa, and opined that, three natural

mechanisms iare said to control the chemistry of lakes: Atmospheric precipitation, rock

12

= Cfiiipter-3 'ffj'T'frTt' ~f''i'-~r\\Um- = ^ = ^

dominance, and the evaporation- crystallization process. Sharma and Sharma (1990)

worked on the taxonomic studies on some cladoceran in central India.

Mishra and Saksena (1990) studied the seasonal abundance of the zooplankton of

wastewater from the industrial complex at Birla nagar (Gwalior). Sarwar and Wazir

(1991) studied the Physico-chemical characteristics of fresh water ponds of Srinagar

(Kashmir) and concluded that alkaline water with high concentration of calcium

bicarbonate, phosphorus, and nitrate trigger bloom formation and increase eutrophic

nature. Surendra Kumar and Sharma (1991) made comparative physico-chemical

lirrinology of lakes Pichhola and Fatehsagar, Udaipur and pointed out that electric

conductance, pH, total alkalinity, and nitrates at higher concentration increase the

productivity, and these parariieters could serve as indicators to assess the trophic level of

waterbodies. Vuille (1991) investigated the abundance, standing crop and production of

micro crustacean populations-Cladocera, Copepoda in the littoral zone of lake Biel,

Switzerland. Sharma and Rao (1991) reported the combined effects of food and

temperature on life history of a rotifer-Brachionus patalus Muller. Swarnalatha and

Narasinga Rao (1991) investigated the effect of pollution of a lake in Saroor Nagar.

Mishra and Seksena (1992) studied limnology in relation to plankton in lake Fateh

sagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Subamma and Ramasarma (1992) conducted studies on the

water quality characteristics of a temple pond near Machilipatnam, Andhra-Pradesh, and

recorded that nitrate concentration was low during summer, which is attributed to its

utilization during photosynthesis and high plankton density. Jyothi et al, (1992) studied

the chlorophycean blooms and their ecological aspects arid opined that early summer

favored the growth of Scenedesmus and Pediastrum blooms. Venkateshwarlu (1969b)

13

Cfiapter-3 • <Smnpm nf r.itprnturp. = =

observed that in tropical waterbodies, tlie green algae are abundant at high temperatures.

Gaur et al, (1992) concluded that bulk of macrophyte energy is not directly available to

the herbivores and passes to consumers through detritus food webs, which are largely

mediated, by bacteria. Das and Singh (1993) studied Plankton and periphyton in the

ponds for fish production. Pandey et al, (1993) assessed the sanitary water quality of

Bhimtal lake-Kumaun hill. Paterson (1993) investigated and listed the distribution of

micro crustacean in the littoral zone of a fresh water lake. Ahmed and Singh, (1993)

Studied the diurnal changes in the physico-chemical properties and zooplankters in a

perennial tank at Dholi (Bihar), India.

Over the last few decades, there has been much interest in the process influencing

the development of phytoplankton communities, primarily in relation to physico-

chemical factors. Narayana (1994) carried out elaborate investigations on river Cauvery

with special reference to zooplankton and macrophytes. Pandey etal, (1994) investigated

on zooplanktonic community in relation to certain physico-chemical factors of Kosi

swamp, Bihar and noted Keratella sp. as an indicator of eutrophication. Hegde (1994)

studied the desmids of Kamataka and recorded five new taxa of desmids from Shimoga

district. Brain (1994) studied the role of autotrophs in non point source phosphorus

retention in Laurentian lakes. Swain et al., (1994) studied on the water quality of

Swetaganga temple tank, Puri and found that introduction and removal of the aquatic

plant {Eichornia crassipes) in to the tank would reduce the nitrogen and phosphorus

content of the water, eliminates the Microcystis bloom and changed the eutrophic status

of the water body in to oligotrophic. Kaushik and Sharma (1994) studied the physico-

chemical characteristics and zooplankton population of a perennial tank, Matsya Sarovar.

14

= Cfitipter-3 ^view of Literature

Agbeti and Smol (1995) studied Winter Limnology: A comparison of physical,

chemical and biological characteristics in two temperate lalces during ice cover. Kaushik

and Saxena (1995) investigated trophic status and rotifer fauna of certain waterbodies in

central India. Jain and Seethapathi (1996) studied the limnology of Kayamkulam lake,

Kerala. Naik and Purohit (1996) recorded the physico-chemical analysis of some

community ponds of Rourkela, and concluded that the water is not safe for human

consumption unless it is treated and disinfected. Bestawy et al, (1996) conducted X-ray

micro analytical studies on the dominant algae Spirulina platensis and Cylcotella

menenghiana. Sharma (1996) studied the diversity of Rotifera in India. Sarojini (1996)

studied the physico-chemical characteristics and Phytoplankton assemblages of sewage

entering harbor water at Visakapatnam, concluded that the standing crop of

phytoplankton was 4 fold greater in receiving harbor waters than in sewage. Jain and

Seethapathi (1996) carried out Limnological studies of Kayamkulam lake and concluded

that pollution in natural water may be disastrous to fishes and other fauna and flora living

therein, may be due to increase in acidity or alkalinity, decrease in dissolved oxygen,

toxic ingredients, mechanical injury to gills, increase in osmotic pressure, destruction of

spawning grounds, non availability offish food. Goutam Banerjee (1997) worked on the

algae in domestic sewage of Calcutta, and recorded that Cyanophyceae were dominant

than other phytoplankton groups. He also listed some algae such as Gomphonema,

Gyrosigma and Navicula may be used as indicators to monitor water quality. Chezhian

and Habib Mohammed (1997) studied the diurnal variation and physico-chemical

characteristics of Pappankanniar estuary, and recorded 6 species of copepods.

Magizharasan and Indra (1997) studied the chemical parameters of a rural pond at

15

= chapter-3 (Review of Literature =^=^

Thillaividangan in South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu and stated that during the rainy

season the nitrate content was comparatively higher than the pre-monsoon season which

may be because of surface runoff water from surrounding agricultural fields, fixation of

nitrogen by some blue green algae and nitrification by nitrifying bacteria. Hegde and

Sujatha (1997) listed distribution of planktonic algae in three fresh water lentic habitats

of Dharwad. Stephen Carpenter (1998) studied the interdependent factors and complex

interactions in lake communities. Swarnalatha and Rao (1998) conducted ecological

studies of Banjara Lake with reference to water pollution.

Puttaiah and Yogendra (1999) studied the variations in dissolved oxygen, pH, and

carbon dioxide in lentic waterbodies of Shimoga, Harikrishnan et al, (1999) worked on

the distribution and ecology of phytoplankton in the kuttanad wetland ecosystem, Kerala.

Chaturvedi et al, (1999) while studying the plankton community of polluted water

around Sanganer, Jaipur. Sabu Thomas and Abdul Azis (1999) worked on zooplankton

community characteristics in Peppara reservoir, Kerala. Bhatt et al, (1999) worked on

physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton of Taudaha lake, Katmandu. Sharma

and Asha Agarwal (1999) studied on water quality of River Yamuna at Agra, and

concluded that the river seems to be highly polluted and not fir for drinking or bathing

purpose, even survival of aquatic life is not possible, which is due to opening of various

municipal sewage drains and industrial effluents in to the river. Tiwari (1999)

investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of lake water in Bhopal, and

emphasized the suitability of water for drinking and irrigational purposes based on

Kelley's ratio and sodium absorption ratio. Pendse et al, (2000) investigated the algal

diversity of percolation tank of village Dasane, India. Sharma (2000) carried out

16

= CfKipt^r-S (Rffview of Literature = =

investigation on rotifers from some tropical flood plain lakes of Assam. Singh (2000)

evaluated the Physico-chemical parameters in an ox bow lake and found that nitrate

concentration of 0.2 to 0.5 mg/1 is favorable for fish production. Brett et al, (2000)

studied the effect of phosphorus on algal food quality for freshwater zooplankton.

Sondergaard et al, (2000) listed out some of the effective methods for lake restoration in

Denmark.

Further, Uttangi (2001) reported the water quality of selected irrigated tanks in

Dharwad. Pandey et al, (2000) studied on nutrient status and cyanobacterial diversity

flora in freshwaterbodies in Bangalore. Malu (2001) worked on phytoplankton diversity

in Lunar Lake and concluded it to be eutrophic depending on the presence of

Phytoplankton like Nitzchia, Euglena and Oscillatoria. Venkataraman and Das (2001)

studied on freshwater cladocerans of wetlands of India, West. Bengal. Sharma and

Hussain (2001) studied on the abundance and ecology of zooplankton in tropical flood

plain lake of Assam. Reinikainen et al, (2001) studied the pollution effect and toxicities

of a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a microcystin to Daphnia magna.

Other publications on the seasonal variations of Phytoplankton were carried out

by Maruthanayagam and Subramanian (2001) who studied seasonal variation and cluster

formation of zooplanktons in waterbodies of Uttar Pradesh. Keith Hamil (2001)

documented the cases of animal deaths in New Zealand caused by benthic Ocillatoria -

like species, Several of the dogs died in Waikane and Southland were observed to eat or

chew material suspected to be benthic algae mats but it is conceivable that the toxin was

also present in the water. The toxin produced is anatoxin-a, which is a neurotoxic

alkaloid that acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent.

17

^ ^ chapter-3 ^view of Literature ;

Narayana and Somashekar (2002) studied the relation between macrophyte

diversity and water quality of River Cauvery, and concluded that the diversity and density

of macrophytes is mainly dependent on the water quality, nutrients and pollution load.

Narayana and Somashekar (2002a) investigated the distribution and species diversity of

macro invertebrates in river Cauvery. Nagarathna and Hosmani (2002) impact of

Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz. bloom on the water quality parameters and opined that

Microcystis bloom alters the chemical composition of the tank. Pushpendra Kumar

(2002) investigated organic pollution and water quality of Satri tank, Chhatarpur and

concluded that the tank is highly eutrophic and biologically dead. Bharathi and

Ramanibai (2002) investigated the hydrobiological profile of Kolavi Lake, Chingleput

district. Sukumaran (2002) studied Aquatic micro flora in a perennial tank in Bangalore

and opined that the changes and fall in nitrate concentration during pre-monsoon may be

attributed to the utilisation of phytoplankton. Some of the investigations on the

advantages of zooplanktons include those of Hosmani (2002) who studied phytoplankton-

zooplankton relationship in four fresh waterbodies in Dharwar and stated that Rotifers

were high in density and are being used as food for aquatic organisms.

Sargaonkar and Deshpande (2002) commented on the general classification of

water quality in Indian context. DeMott arid Tessier (2002) studied the algal defenses

against zooplankton feeding. Dwivedi and Pandey (2002) worked on physico-chemical

factors and algal diversity of two ponds of Faizabad and attributed the trend of increasing

eutrophication to anthropogenic activities in the surrounding area. Saroj panda and

Madhab (2002) studied the biotic community structure and water quality in tropical fresh

water ponds of Bargarh town, Orissa and concluded that to get a clear picture of the

18

= CHapter - 3 • (Review of Literature

trophic status of a water body an integrated study of both chemical and biological

monitoring has to be carried out. Naga Prapurna and Shashikanth (2002) investigated the

pollution level in Hussain Sagar lake of Hyderabad, they stressed the need for increasing

the dissolved oxygen content, reducing turbidity, BOD, total suspended solids of the lake

water, for conserving the lake. Narayana and Somashekar (2002b) studied the heavy

metal composition in the sediment and plants of river Cauvery.

Several workers have further studied the physico-chemical parameters of tanks in

India, as by Narayana and Purushothama (2003) who studied the physico-chemical

characteristics and effect of encroachment of watershed area and their impact on lake

ecosystem. Khabade and Mule, (2003) who carried out studies on Physico-chemical

parameters of Fundi water reservoir from Tasgaon Tahsil. Nandan and Kumavat (2003)

studied the limnological aspects of algae in Aner river of Dhule Maharashtra. Mishra et

ah, (2003) assessed the quality of water for drinking and agriculture in and around a

mines in Keonjhar district, Orissa. Somani and Pejaver (2003) studied the dynamics of

chlorophyceae in lake Masuda, Thane, Maharashtra. Further investigations on the

ecology of fresh water zooplanktons and factors influencing their diversity include

Sunkad and Patil (2003) who studied the zooplankton diversity and water quality of

Rakasakoppa reservoir of Belgaum, Karnataka. Arora, and Mehra (2003) investigated the

seasonal dynamics of the rotifers in relation to physical and chemical conditions of the

river Yamuna (Delhi).

Some investigations on the water quality characteristics of temple pond includes

those of, Patil et al, (2004) who studied the water quality status of a temple pond in

Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, and concluded that the water is unsafe for human

19

=: Cli^pter-3 'Rgview of Literature .

consumption but this water quality is found to be good for irrigation. Chaiinda et ah,

(2004) pointed out that Cyclotella meneghianiana and Melosira varians could be used as

the indicator of oligo-mesotrophic condition of the water body. Khatavlcar et al, (2004)

recorded the variations in physico-chemical parameters in fresh water tanks in and around

Solapur city, Maharashtra. Gupta and Arti Sharma (2004) worked on the diel variation of

some abiotic parameters of Stream Ban-Ganga. Mazher Sultana and Dawood Sharief

(2004) studied on pollution of double lake with relation to phytoplankton. Majhi et al,

(2004) provided information on plankton production using poultry droppings, and opined

that it definitely helps in developing package of practice on live feed culture of plankton

under control conditions. Pabby et al, (2003) Conducted studies on importance of

Azolla-Anabaena symbiosis being used in traditional agriculture and its application to

biotechnology.

Chaiinda et al, (2004) worked on phytoplankton diversity and its relationships to

the physico-chemical environment in the Banglang reservoir. Yala Province and

concluded that high concentration of nitrates and phosphates correlate with plankton

diversity and density. William Halvorson (2004) discussed the ecosystem restoration on

the California Channel Islands. Harsha and Malammanavar (2004) assessed the

phytoplankton density in relation to environmental variables in Gopalaswamy pond at

Chitradurga, Karnataka and revealed that the environmental variables such as

temperature, pH, and phosphate play a decisive role in altering the phytoplankton

distribution and density. Duttagupta et al, (2004) studied the red blooms of Euglena sp.

in Assam, and stated that the bloom is non-toxic and is being exploited as a fish food by

the fish-farmers. Zooplanktons, like phytoplankton make excellent indicators of

20

environmental conditions, because they are sensitive to changes in water quality, work on

the indicator species has been carried out by several workers, Devashish and Monjurul.

(2004) Studied zooplankton in Chatla Haor, a flood plain wet land in Cachar district of

Assam and listed the Occurrence of Arcella sp. among the protozoan and Brachionus

calyciflorus among the rotifers, indicate eutrophy of the wetland. Sunkad and Patil (2004)

assessed the water quality of fort lake of Belgaum, Karnataka with special reference to

zooplankton.

Many workers have studied the seasonal variations in physico-chemical

characteristics of fresh waterbodies such as, Thirumala et al, (2005) studied the variation

of water quality in Ayyanakere tank, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka and concluded that

the water is good for drinking purpose. Dey and Hazra (2005) made a comparative

limnological study of two ponds in Orissa, and concluded that the Chandeneswar temple

pond is polluted and is non-potable where as the other pond water is suitable for drinking

purpose. Ashok Mishra (2005) studied the sources of pollution affecting fresh

waterbodies. Pawar and PuUe (2005) who studied the physico-chemical parameters of

Pethwadaj dam, Maharshtra and revealed that there were significant seasonal variations

in some Physico-chemical parameters. Ulhas et al, (2005) investigated the diversity of

planktonic groups in the River Kali, West coast of India.

Further studies on water quality of lentic waterbodies includes those of, Narayana

et al, (2005) investigated the drinking water quality of Basavanahole tank, Sagara,

Shimoga district. Purushothama et al, (2005) while working on the quality of water in

tanks of Sagar, Karnataka, concluded that the highest concentrations of the nutrients were

recorded after the onset of rains, probably by the transport of nutrients from the water

21

= Clicipter-3 'Review of Literature •

shed areas with the runoff water. Kadam et al, (2005) worked on the ecology of

Bhategaon dam, Maharashtra. Jindal and Prajapat (2005) studied the productivity and

trophic status of Renuka wetland in Himachal Pradesh, to take up conservation steps and

protect this wetland from further degradation and its proper utilization. Durai et al,

(2005) studied the quality assessment of waters in Velachery Chennai-Tamil Nadu and

opined that pollution of water body is mainly due to discharge of sewage and domestic

waste in to the lakes.

Further investigation on the distribution of plankton includes those of, Narayana

et al, (2005) who made preliminary survey of phytoplankton in two tanks of Sagar taluk,

Kamataka and recorded 19 species of phytoplankton. Narayana and Purushothama (2005)

have conducted detailed observations on distribution, and diversity of aquatic

macrophytes in lentic waterbodies of Shimoga district. Karnataka. Sree Latha and

Rajalakshmi (2005) studied the dynamics of Chlorophyceae in River Goutami-Godavari,

Pondicherry. Kudari et al, (2005) made observations on physico-chemical parameters,

phytoplankton and zooplankton distribution in Naregal tank of Haveri district, Kamataka.

Pawar and Pulle (2005) recorded 28 species of Rotifers, 16 species of Copepoda and

20 species of Cladocera in Pethwadaj dam, Maharashtra. Kudari et al, (2005) also

recorded that the zooplankton diversity was high during pre-monsoon season compared

to post -monsoon from ponds of Haveri district, Karnataka. Sunkad (2005) studied the

composition and abundance of rotifera in a tropical lake of Belgaum and recorded

maximum density during summer and minimum during monsoon. Sampada and Pejaver

(2005) made preliminary observations on Lecane inopinata and concluded that Lecane

22

Cfiapter-3 = 'Review of Literature

prefer bacteria as food than micro algae and chlorella species. Jindal and Gupta (2005)

investigated on the effect of pesticide-Lindane on Plankton.

Recent investigations on the ecology and taxonomy of lentic waterbodies include

those of Banakar et ah, (2006) worked on the Hydro-chemical characteristics of

Chandravalli pond, Kamataka. Dilip rathore et al, (2006) analysed the physico-chemical

characteristics to study the water quality index, algal blooms and Eutrophic conditions of

lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Sulabha and Prakasam (2006) recorded higher values of

conductivity, turbidity, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, phosphate, nitrate and sodium

during non-rainy season, while working on limnological features of Thirumullavaram

temple pond of Kollam municipality, Kerala. Pawar and Mane (2006) showed an inverse

relationship of dissolved oxygen with temperature, and opined that this is probably due to

two reasons, in summer at high temperature rate of oxidation of organic matter in water

increased and oxygen was consumed in the process, secondly at higher temperature the

water has a lesser water holding capacity and surplus oxygen was lost to the atmosphere.

Further Narayana and Ravindra (2006) studied the macrophytic diversity and their

local uses in Hosanagar, and also the advantages of wetlands. Banakar et al, (2006)

studied the ecological aspects of cyanophycean bloom in Mallapura tank, Chitradurga,

Kamataka. Devidas et al, (2006) studied the status of water quality in Ayanur tank,

Shimoga, Kamataka. Ashish Tiwari and Chauhan (2006) recorded the seasonal Phyto

planktonic diversity of Kitham Lake, Agra. Hasan et al, (2006) made diagnostic analysis

of Lake Uluabat in Turkey. Sulabha and Prakasam (2006) worked on the seasonal

variations of Phytoplankton in ponds of Kerala and recorded higher values of

phytoplankton count during non-rainy season. Jose et al, (2006) studied organic

23

^1= CRapter-S 'fffTTrTfrf'"•''*"•"•'"-'• = ^ ^

pollution based on algal distribution in some temple ponds of Ernakulum, Kerala and

concluded that occurrence of Microcystis aeroginosa can be used as indicator. Ashesh

Tiwari and Chauhan, (2006) studied the seasonal Phytoplanktonic diversity of Kitham

Lake, Agra and concluded that chlorophyceae was the dominant group during winters

and Euglenophyceae during summers. Kadam et al, worked on the diversity of fishes

being cultured at Bhategaon pond. Saksena et al, (2006) worked on the possibility of

taking up of monoculture of prawns and polyculture with fishes in the Kharland ponds of

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Srivastava and Seema Srivastaya (2006) reviewed various

diversity indices, which can be used for water quality monitoring. Dilip rathore et al,

(2006) used water quality index, algal blooms to study eutrophic conditions of lakes of

Udaipur city, Rajasthan.

The review of literature has revealed that, considerable work has been carried out

on the limnological aspects of lentic waterbodies of India and Karnataka. From this

review it is evident that, the limnological work on lentic waterbodies of Hosanagar taluk,

Shimoga district, has not been taken up so far.

Hence, with this background five lentic waterbodies situated in the Hosanagar

taluk have been selected for the present investigation to explore physico-chemical and

biological aspects.

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