Seasonal variation in physico-chemical and biological properties of river Panar (Bihar)

Abstract

A base line study was conducted to determine the impact of anthropogenic activities on the physico-chemical and biological factors of the river Panar. The result revealed well defined seasonal variation .On the basis of physico-che mical and biol ogi c al parame ters th e ri ve r appears to be poll u ted. On th e basis of Moyl e’s classification, the river water appeared to be hard type. Likewise on the basis of phosphorous and nitrogen , the investigated water body may be categorized as moderate trophic level . The bulk of phytoplankton was shared by Chlorophyceae (9), Myxophyceae (8), Bacillariophyceae (9) and Euglenophyceae (1). Many of algal species out of the total 27 reported from the river like Euglena, Microcystis, Anabaena,Chlamydomonas , and Spirulina were recognized as pollution indicator . The zooplankton population comprised of Rotifera (19), Cladoce ra (5) and Copepoda (3). Th e zoopl ank ton al so c ompri se d some pol l uti on tol e ran t spec i es l ik e Brachionus, Keratella, Moina, Mesocyclops , Cypris , Ceriodaphnia , Polyarthra etc. The study clearly revealed that the aquatic environment of the river has undergone degradation and is not suitable for human use. Proper remedial measure s sh ould be take n immedi ately in orde r to restore it from further deteriorati on. There must be al ternate waste disposal system away from th e rive r and disposal of solid and li quid waste must be stopped forth with. Indiscriminate fishing practices and retting of jute should be stopped, Planting of some toxicant reducing macrophytes should be done on both sides of the river. There is urgent need to take up widespread conservation and education programme in this area to highlight the problem of pollution.

Keywords

• Seasonal Variation
• Physico-Chemical Characteristics
• Phytoplankton
• Zooplankton
• Water Quality