Seasonal Assessment of Water Quality and Aquatic Biodiversity in Ghanpur (Mulug) Pond, Telangana, India
Annem Srinivas Reddy *
Department of Zoology, Government Degree College, Parkal, Kakatiya University, Telangana, India.
T. Bheem Rao
Department of Zoology, Government Degree College, Parkal, Kakatiya University, Telangana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Freshwater ponds are ecologically significant ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. The present study evaluated seasonal variations in physicochemical characteristics, plankton diversity and major aquatic biotic communities of Ghanpur (Mulug) Pond, Telangana, India, to assess its ecological status. Water samples were collected and analysed during three distinct seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon. The key physicochemical parameters studied included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, nitrate and phosphate. In addition, the seasonal occurrence and relative composition of major biological groups, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic macrophytes, fish, insects and amphibians, were documented to evaluate the ecological status of the pond. Water temperature varied from 26.2 to 31.5°C, dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.6 to 7.4 mg/L and BOD varied from 4.2 to 8.4 mg/L, indicating seasonal fluctuations in water quality. Higher nutrient concentrations during the monsoon supported increased phytoplankton productivity, whereas post-monsoon conditions were associated with improved biodiversity. The post-monsoon season represented a stabilisation phase, with moderate temperature, balanced pH and improved dissolved oxygen levels. Greater representation of diatoms and zooplankton groups during the post-monsoon season suggested improved ecological conditions and enhanced biological activity within the pond ecosystem. Overall, the study indicates moderate pollution during the pre-monsoon season and highlights the need for continuous monitoring and effective management practices to maintain pond health and sustainability.
Keywords: Limnology, freshwater pond, freshwater ecosystem, seasonal variation, physicochemical parameters, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrient enrichment, plankton diversity, aquatic biodiversity, water quality index.