Limnological study of Karnaphuli river in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was aimed to estimate the water quality parameters and determine the plankton
population of the Karnaphuli River. Water samples were collected from six points (Kalurghat, Sadarghat,
Fisheryghat, Kaptai, Jettyghat, Boraichuri) of the river from April to September, 2017. Most of the physicochemical
parameters of the river water were not found in optimal levels. Temperature, transparency,
dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, CO2, total alkalinity, electrical conductivity in water samples were found to
range from 260 C to 320 C, 4 to 9cm, 3.2 to 4.6 mg/L, 5.9 to 7.5, 14.8 to 26.7 mg/L, 71 to 105.5 mg/L
and 7645 to 11645?s/cm, respectively during the experimental period. Thirteen genera of phytoplankton of 8
divisions and 4 genera of zooplankton of 3 divisions were found in the river. Highest number of
phytoplankton (34×103cells/L) was found at Kalurghat in July and lowest (14×103cells/L) was at Sadarghat
in April. Cyclotella was the most abundant Nitzchia and Gymnodium were the least abundant species in
Karnaphuli river. The present study will help to make policy for sustainable management of Karnaphuli riv