Hydrochemistry and Seasonal Fluctuation of Plankton in Arasankulam Pond at Veppampattu in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

The present paper deals with the study of physico-chemical parameters along with plankton diversity in Arasankulam pond situated at Veppampattu in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. The fluctuations in physico-chemical characteristics were noted during the study period from January to December 2009. The results show that the zooplankton diversity was lesser as compared to phytoplankton. The plankton community showed seasonal fluctuations. The phytoplankton community was consisting of members of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae. The zooplankton community was represented by Cladocerans, Copepods, Ostracods and Rotifers. The ecological significance of the plankton diversity and the seasonal variation have been discussed in light of the available literature.