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Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keenjhar Lake
It is believed that the first living cell that appeared on planet earth emerged from
the ocean. In all its form, life has developed from the growth of mono-cellular
algae. About 90% of the species of marine autotrophs are algae and about 50%
of the global photosynthesis is algal derived thus every second molecule of
oxygen we inhale come from algae and algae reuse every second molecule of
carbon dioxide we exhale (Melkinian 1995). The importance of algae and their
consumption for human is well known since 300 BC in China and Japan. These
two countries are the major algae/sea weed cultivators, producers and
consumers in the world such as the Indian Ocean region countries like Malaysia,
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Korea. Algae/sea weeds are used in salad,
jelly, soup. In Pakistan algae/sea weeds consumption is negligible so there is
need for awareness of algae as a source of health, basic food as they are rich
and an easily available source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
1.2.6.2 Objectives of the study:
a. Collection and identification of phytoplankton/algal samples using latest
techniques.
b. Preservation according to standard method.
c. Document the changes to algae and other aquatic plants in study area.
d. Document and describe algae and other aquatic plants species of “special
concern” regarding the economic and ecological perspective found in the
study area.
e. Suggest suitable species of algae and other aquatic plants used by fish in
study area.
f. To submit a comprehensive baseline reports and monitoring plan.
1.2.7 Zooplankton
1.2.7.1 Rationale
Invertebrates have complicated and imperative roles in maintenance of biotic
communities. They are integral to nearly every food chain, either directly, as food
for fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, or indirectly, as agents in the
continuous recycling of nutrients in the soil. Almost all food webs are dependent
on invertebrate species that are performing vital ecological functions such as
pollination or seed dispersal. A world without invertebrates would be
impoverished and fragile, and ecosystems would collapse. Also the sheer number
and mass of invertebrates reflects their enormous ecological impact. Though
some invertebrates have a negative impact on humans, either by harming them
directly as disease agents or attacking some of their interests, still all adverse
effects combined are insignificant compared to their beneficial effects.
Invertebrates have been recognized as sensitive biological indicator species of
environmental conditions in rivers and streams. These bio-indicators are
increasingly being depended as tools for monitoring health of ecosystems,
especially that of wetlands. Aquatic macro-invertebrates comprising annelids,
mollusks, crustaceans, arachnids and insects are considered reliable indicators of
wetland health. The sensitivity and tolerance of invertebrate species make these
organisms an excellent group to provide information on overall wetland condition.
Invertebrates live in a vast range of habitats, from forests and deserts to caves
and seabed mud. In oceans and freshwaters they form part of the plankton, which
comprise of an immense array of tiny living organisms that drift in the surface
currents. Invertebrates are also found in the soil beneath and in the air above our
heads. Some use wings to propel but others, particularly the smallest
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