A comparative study of rotifer community in two lotic vs. Lentic environments

Saba Abbas kadhim

Authors

Saba Abbas kadhim Department of Marine Biology, Marine Science Centre, University of Basrah https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5331-7456

Keywords:

Rotifers community, Garmat-Ali River, aquatic environments.

Abstract

Rotifera population was studied at two stations: the first was in the Garmat -Ali River, and the second in the fish farming ponds of the Marine Science Center at the University of Basrah. Monthly samples were collected for four months, from February to May 2023, using a 40 cm diameter plankton net with a mesh 53-µm aperture. One hundred liters of water were filtered. Some environmental parameters were measured, including water temperature, pH, salinity, and total suspended solids. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the Rotifer population was also studied using modern taxonomic references. Water temperature ranged from 19-25°C at station one, while at station two it ranged from 20-27°C. The lowest salinity value (1.75 g/l) was recorded at station one, and the highest (38.5 g/l) at station two. pH values ranged from 7.11 to 8.19, with the lowest and highest values recorded at station one. The highest total suspended solids (TSS) values were recorded at station two during April, and the lowest at station one during February. The density of Rotifer was highest at station one, reaching 4.186 individuals/L during May, and lowest at station two (1.395 individuals/l). Nine genera of Rotifer were identified, with the highest number of species recorded at station one during May and the lowest at station two during February. The aim of the study is to compare the qualitative and quantitative composition of the rotifer community between two different environments. The study showed that both environments exhibited homogeneous diversity and densities of the phylloxera community, but the river environment showed the emergence of species that disappeared in the basin environment. This is due to the diversity of food resources along the river, while the basin environment is limited and depends on fertilization seasons.

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