Disclaimer note - WWF - Pakistan
Disclaimer note - WWF - Pakistan
Disclaimer note - WWF - Pakistan
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Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keti Bunder<br />
2.6 Phytoplankton<br />
2.6.1 Collection methodology<br />
Algal and phytoplankton species were collected in June and November 2007. A<br />
small boat was used along with a phytoplankton net of 5-10 µm mesh to collect<br />
samples. Water samples were collected each time using a water sampler<br />
(Nansen bottle) commonly unused for studying physico-chemical features, using<br />
standard methods (APHA, 1985) and for identification of phytoplankton. Samples<br />
were preserved in 4% formalin solution (Mason, 1967). The species composition<br />
was determined by utremohal method (Lund, 1958). The micro algae (ultra nanoplankton)<br />
were not counted as Gorham et al (1974) considered these algae<br />
comparatively un-important in high productive water-bodies. Identification and<br />
counts were done using inverted light microscope (BH-2 Olympus using<br />
objectives 10 X , 20 X , 40 X , 100 X but usually 20 X and 10 X eye piece was used) and<br />
identified with the help of available literature (Tilden, 1910; Husted, 1930; Majeed,<br />
1935; Smith, 1950; Silva, 1954; Desikachary, 1959; Prescott, 1962; Siddiqi &<br />
Farooqi, 1964; Patrick, 1966; Philpose, 1967; Islam & Tahmida, 1970; Tiffany &<br />
Briton, 1970; Vinyard, 1979; Akiyama & Yamagishi, 1981; Shameel, 2001).<br />
2.7 Zooplankton<br />
2.7.1 Collection protocols and standardizing procedures<br />
Specimens belonging to diverse groups of invertebrates were collected from the<br />
various localities of the prescribed areas using a variety of collection protocols and<br />
techniques.<br />
2.7.2 Aquatic invertebrate fauna - plankton net and drag nets<br />
The most widely used apparatus for collecting zooplankton is the plankton net.<br />
This, despite many minor variations in pattern, consists essentially of a cone of<br />
bolting silk, (or equivalent material) mounted on a ring or hoop to which are<br />
attached three thin bridles spliced on to a smaller ring by means of which the net<br />
can be shackled to a towing rope or warp. The end of the cone is left open and is<br />
reinforced by strong material, tapes or cords are sewn to this so that a small metal<br />
or glass jar can be tied into it. The jar receives most of the plankton as the net is<br />
towed along, but some always remains on the wall of the net and is removed by<br />
turning the net inside–out and washing it in a wide- mouthed receiving jar, holding<br />
about a liter of water. The sample was then preserved in the preservative<br />
chemicals.<br />
The plankton net was towed slowly behind the boat and mostly a five-minute or<br />
even less haul was usually sufficient to give an adequate amount of zooplankton.<br />
The mesh size of the material of which the net is constructed influences the kind of<br />
plankton caught. As the focus of the present study has been the macrozooplankton,<br />
therefore, plankton net of mesh size 0.03 mm was selected. (G.<br />
E.Newell and R. C Newell, 1963)<br />
2.7.3 Random sampling<br />
The distribution and abundance of invertebrates are strongly influenced by abiotic<br />
factors, such as light, depth, temperature, salinity, tides and time of year (i.e.<br />
seasonal effects). Zooplankton, for example, is unevenly distributed over wide<br />
space and time scales in the water bodies. As it was not possible to sample all of<br />
the zooplankton from the lakes and other reservoirs using a single collection<br />
method, random sampling was therefore used as the probable procedure in which<br />
each and every species has the equal chance and probability to be caught during<br />
<strong>WWF</strong> <strong>Pakistan</strong> – Indus for All Programme Page 31 of 188