Environ Exp Biol (2020) 18: 207–219

Limnological profile of a semi-urban lentic ecosystem of Kashmir with special reference to the macroinvertebrate community of Anchar Lake

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to investigate the macroinvertebrate community and physico-chemical features of Anchar Lake of Kashmir. Sampling of macroinvertebrates was performed using a handmade D-frame net and Ekman dredge, while physico-chemical analysis was conducted according the standards methods of the American Public Health Association. A total of 20 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded belong to phylum Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca, representing six classes, 13 orders and 18 families. The mean value of several biotic indices was computed: 2.31 for Shannon-Wiener index, 0.87 for Simpson’s index, 1.58 for Margalef’s index and 0.17 for evenness index. Water analysis revealed that the lake was eutrophic, alkaline, highly productive, and had hard water that was organically polluted. The quality of water, organic rich bottom sediment, density and architecture of macrophytes were found to be vital factors determining the abundance, diversity and patterns in distribution of macroinvertebrate fauna of the lake. Further, anthropogenic pressure in the lake catchment area was observed as potential force behind the current ecological conditions of lake. The study concluded that the lake is under extreme anthropogenic stress and is victim of severe pollution, therefore requiring immediate restoration measures.