A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF ZOOPLANKTON WITH REFERENCE TO BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) IN FRESH WATER BODIES OF DHING TOWN (ASSAM)

In the present study, initially the identification of Zooplanktons (Rotifers, Cladocerans & Copepods) was carried out at the level of Genus, using standard keys and manual. Samples were collected following standard methods from five major freshwater bodies of Dhing area. Quantitative enumeration of the identified genera under the three groups-Rotifera, Cladocera, and Copepoda were done and studied in relation to the water quality (BOD) of the freshwater bodies. A total of 14 genera were recorded, of which 5 genera belonged to Rotifers, 6 genera to Cladocerans and 3 genera to Copepods. The rotifer population showed positive correlation to degrading water quality (increasing BOD) while cladoceran & copepod population showed negative correlation with rising BOD.