Zooplankton Diversity in Vallarpadam, India: Influence of Hydrochemistry, Season and Semi Diel Cycle

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jose, J. Jean | Udayakumar, P. | Chandran, A. | Babu, K. Narendra | Sudhanandh, V.S.

Affiliations: Chemical Sciences Division, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram-31, Kerala, India | School of Applied Life Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University Regional Centre Pathanamthitta-689645, Kerala, India

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Statistical analysis of data concerning the zooplankton standing crop influenced by the hydrochemical characters and season over semi diel cycle were presented. A dendrogram for hierarchical classification of multivariate cluster analysis showed a succession of two clusters. Copepod varieties form a single cluster apart from the other zooplankton group indicated a positive correlation expressed by a low distance cluster scale combination. The chemical factors, especially salinity and nutrient composition, showed significant correlation sustaining the zooplankton standing crop.

Keywords: Zooplankton diversity, hydrochemistry, correlation, cluster analysis, Vallarpadam

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 103-108, 2011