Ecological Status, Natural Productivity, Physico-Chemical and Biological Factors Controlling Productivity in the Bow Lake of Bansadaha, Burdwan

Abstract

The basic understanding of the limnology, productive potentials, and fish productions of beel (water body) is essential for the sustainable development at Bansdahabeel in Burdwan. The area of Bansdahabeel is 26-hectare having depth 1.75 to 5.5m. An investigation was conducted on the ecology of the beels, productivity, plankton and macrophytes. Transparency value was low during summer and the pH was slightly alkaline. The monthly mean values of dissolved oxygen were somewhat lower in this closed beel (water body). The nitrate values were higher in summer and lower during the monsoon period. The soil contains 93% of sand. Among the plankton, community, phytoplankton formed the main portion of the total plankton. Cyanophyceae was the major contributor among the phytoplankton as Chlorophyceae was the second largest group. The monthly mean value of the zooplankton population was 417.22µl -1 in Bansdahabeel. The beel harbours mixed population of macrophytes with the dominance of submerged plants throughout the year. Fish production was recorded to 1159.83 kg/ha/yr. However, the production of carps was much higher than the miscellaneous fishes.