ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF MACROPHYTES AND FISH DIVERSITY IN HALEJI LAKE THATTA SINDH PAKISTAN WITH REFERENCE TO NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION ASPECTS
Abstract
Haleji lake is one of the famous Ramsar site conservative wetland in Thatta Sindh Pakistan existing under control of Sindh Wildlife Department Government of Pakistan. The Lake is located 24˚48’25.08” N and 67˚46’27.44” E on a global map. Water quality variables, macrophyte community and fish population were examined to find out the ecological condition of the lake. Five sampling stations were selected for collection of samples to cover whole area of the lake situation. The average air and water temperatures are 34.5±0.43 and ±30.34 ˚C, the water's transparency is 71.8±9.75705 cm, the pH is 8.2±0.1, the alkalinity (CaCO3) is 71.4±3.5 mg/l, the salinity (NaCl) is 985.8±3639.98 ppm/l, the TDS is 284.1±293.252 µs/cm/l, the nitrogen (nitrates) is 2756.8±404.832 µm/l, and the orthophosphate is 3936.8±2083.6 µm/l. The results of water quality parameters analysis indicated higher side values when compared with NEQS and WHO Limits. Therefore, the lake needs quick supply of freshwater for dilution and maintaining sustainable ecosystem. A Total of 12 macrophyte species were recorded from entire lake, the species were; Azolla pinnata, Cyperus difforms, Eichhornia crassipes, Limna minor, Hydrilla verticillata, Nelumbo nelumbo, Nijas major, Phragmites vallatoria, Potomogeton pectinatus, Pistia stratiotes, Scripus littorals and Typha domogensis. Fish population of the lake is also affected due to water scarcity. 18 fish species were recorded during the study period. The species were present in the water Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Giblian catla, Channa marulia, Channa striata, Oreochromus mossambicus, Oreochromus niloticus, Mastacembilus armatus, Notoperus notopterus, Notopetrus chitala, Aorichthys aor, Chanda ranga, Chela labuca, Gadushia chapra, Gadushia chapra, Punctus ticto, Mugal cephalus, Wallago attu, and Xanantodon cancilla. Most of fish species that occur in the lake are the ecological indicators of semi-eutrophic water bodies. The analysis of GIS shows that 12% of lake areas covered with marshy erect plants such as Typha and Phragmites, 8% Scripus and Cyprius plants, 3% Attached and 2% free floating. However, 65% lake area is covered with open water and 10% land was recorded dried or barren in nature. The results of Haleji lake indicate that the lake is currently characterized at semi-eutrophic stage. Therefore, adequacy supply of freshwater may be ensured for a healthy sustainable ecosystem of microphytes, barren soil, and little areas of vegetation, birds, fish, crocodiles and invertebrates which shows the natural fertility of the lake.
Keywords
- Aquatic Ecology, Macrophytes, water quality of Haleji Lake
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