Population Dynamics of Rotifers as Influenced by Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals at Khanki Headworks, Gujranwala, Pakistan
Population Dynamics of Rotifers as Influenced by Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals at Khanki Headworks, Gujranwala, Pakistan
Muhammad Ahsan Raza1,2*, Nabila Roohi2, Abdul Qayyum Khan Sulehria3 and Muhammad Khalil Ahmad Khan4
ABSTRACT
Present investigation was conducted to evaluate the seasonal impact of physicochemical parameters of water and heavy metals on the population dynamics of rotifers at specific sites of Khanki Headworks, District Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan from February 2021 to January 2022. During this time period, 34 species of rotifers belonging to 10 families and 12 different genera were identified. Brachionidae was proved to be the most abundant family followed by Asplanchnidae. Population density was maximum in June and lowest in January. Rotifers displayed positive relationship with electrical conductivity, pH, temperature and total hardness while negative correlation was recorded with dissolved oxygen. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the determination of heavy metals in water. Three heavy metals Nickel, Zinc and Arsenic were found in the following order of their concentrations Zn > Ni > As. Analysis of variance also revealed significant difference in population density of rotifers in various months. Shannon-Weaver diversity index reflected greater diversity among rotifer species in June. Environmental variables and heavy metals generally drive the population dynamics of rotifers during the whole year cycle. Findings of this study suggested that rotifer fauna could be a robust bioindicator of water quality in aquatic ecosystem.
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