Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2008, Vol 8, Num, 2 (Pages: 259-268)
Biodiversity in Relation to Physicochemical Properties of Keenjhar Lake, Thatta District, Sindh, Pakistan
2 University of Sindh Jamshoro, Institute of Botany, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan Viewed : 5143 - Downloaded : 6949 Keenjhar Lake is an artificial and tropical lake. It is located almost 120 km from Karachi; Keenjhar Lake is essential for diverse aspects such as, supply of drinking water, irrigation and wild life intention. Adverse effects of physicochemical parameters on aquatic ecosystem may occur at all levels of biological communities can be wide-ranging or limited, temporary or permanent. Mainly serious effects involve loss in productivity, changes in growth, loss of primary productivity, altered diversity or community structure, changes in aquatic ecosystem process (such as nutrient cycling) and losses of valuable species. These ecological losses in turn may be economically, aesthetically, or socially important. Hence, the present research work was planned to resolve the physicochemical properties and biota of Keenjhar Lake. Biota and physicochemical properties of Keenjhar Lake were determined beginning from January until December 2005. A total of 142 species of phytoplankton, 37 species of zooplankton, 39 species of aquatic plants, 51 species of fishes, and 8 species of prawns were recorded. The physicochemical properties such as temperature, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, chlorides, turbidity, pH, and hardness were determined on monthly basis. The physicochemical properties of Keenjhar Lake were suitable for growth of aquatic biota. Keywords : Biodiversity, Physicochemical properties, Keenjhar Lake, Thatta