Seasonal Variations in Zooplankton Diversity of Railway Pond, Sasaram, Bihar

An ecological study on a tropical pond situated in the centre of the Sasaram city of Bihar, was conducted with special reference to Zooplankton diversity in relation to trophic status. In all 76 zooplankton species recorded belonged to Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda and Ostracoda. Out of 76 species, 9 species belonged to Protozoa, 37 species to Rotifera, 15 species to Cladocera, 12 species to Copepoda and only 3 species to Ostracoda. The pond is mainly used for regular inflow of domestic wastes water. During the winter season maximum zooplankton diversity was recorded which was mainly dominated by Rotifer population, thus revealing its eutrophic nature. High turbidity observed as a major factor which restricts growth of the planktonic population during monsoon season.