Seasonal Abundance of Cladocerans and Their Relation to Physico-Chemical Parameters of Pond Ecosystem in Palampur, Dist. Kangra, (H.P.)

The physico-chemical parameters and cladocerans diversity are an important measure for evaluating the suitability of water for drinking purposes and irrigation. The investigation was undertaken to estimate the physico-chemical characteristics and to record the presence and abundance of cladocerans in relation to the physico- chemical regime of the pond ecosystem. The water samples were analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total solids, total suspended solids, total-alkalinity, nitrate-nitrogen, potassium, total phosphate-phosphorus, chlorides,sodium, and cladocerans were estimated and recorded respectively on monthly basis for the period of one year from April 2014 to March 2015. The present study revealed the presence of seven species namely Moinamucronata, Bosminalongirostris, Daphnia pulex, Daphnia magna, Simocephallusexpinosus, Sidacrystalline andDiaphanosomabrachyurum of cladocerans.