Ostracods as indicators of pollution in the lakes of Mysore.

ABSTRACT

Ostracods are small crustaceans found in aquatic habitats and the present paper deals with the role of water quality index on their population diversity and seasonal fluctuations in the four lakes of Mysore city. The present investigation was carried out from July 2004 to June 2005. The study revealed highest water quality index and population density of ostracods during summer and least during winter. Dalvoi lake recorded higher water quality index (125.04), population density (60 l(-1)) but lower species diversity (2 species) of ostracods, whereas Kamana lake recorded lowest water quality index (63.49), population density (40 l(-1)) and highest species diversity (6 species) of ostracods. Increase in the water quality index indicates increase in the pollution load. As water quality index (WQI) increases, population density of ostracods increases but species diversity decreases.