Factors Affecting Plankton Biodiversity Of Chilika Lake- A Ramsar Site

The ecological implications of this study highlight the critical role of nutrient dynamics, water quality management, and biological productivity in shaping the health of Chilika Lake. Elevated levels of sediment phosphorus, organic carbon and other nutrients suggest eutrophic conditions, which can enhance biological productivity but also risk altering species composition and triggering algal blooms. Water transparency, total alkalinity and conductivity play pivotal roles in maintaining water quality, influencing light penetration and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem. Photosynthetic productivity, measured through net primary production (NPP) and gross primary productivity (GPP), drives the lake's ecological processes, supporting the food web from phytoplankton to higher trophic levels such as zooplankton and fish. Zooplankton dynamics are shown to vary in response to different environmental conditions, providing valuable insight into how water quality and nutrient levels shape biological communities.