The Biobrio 12(3&4), 2025

Zooplankton diversity in relation to land-use patterns in Tilaiya Dam, Jharkhand, India

Soni Kumari & Ajay Kumar Choudhary

ABSTRACT:

Zooplankton forms a crucial component of freshwater ecosystems, acting as intermediaries between primary producers and higher trophic levels while serving as sensitive indicators of water quality. The present investigation evaluates the diversity, composition, and seasonal dynamics of zooplankton in Tilaiya Dam, Jharkhand, with reference to varying land-use patterns. Four distinct sampling sites representing agricultural influence, cage culture practices, human encroachment, and relatively undisturbed conditions were selected. Monthly sampling was conducted during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. The zooplankton community was dominated by Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda. Rotifers, particularly Brachionus species, were highly abundant in nutrient-rich and disturbed areas, indicating eutrophic conditions. Cladocerans and copepods contributed significantly to biomass, especially in aquaculture zones. Encroachment areas exhibited reduced diversity and dominance of pollution-tolerant taxa, whereas less disturbed zones showed balanced communities with the presence of sensitive species. Seasonal variation was evident, with peak abundance during late winter and early summer. A comparative analysis indicated a slight increase in zooplankton density during 2022- 2023. The study highlights the influence of anthropogenic activities on aquatic biodiversity and supports the use of zooplankton as reliable bioindicators for freshwater ecosystem assessment.

Keywords:    

Zooplankton diversity, Tilaiya Dam, Rotifera, Land-use impact, Eutrophication, Bioindicators, Freshwater ecology, Seasonal dynamics

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