Anthropogenic Pressure- A Potential threat to Biodiversity. An Evidence from Macroinvertebrate Community of Dal Lake, Kashmir, India

A survey was conducted to assess the macroinvertebrate community and water quality of the Dal Lake of Kashmir in relation to anthropogenic pressure on the lake. Macroinvertebrates were collected by D-frame net and Ekman’s dredge. Physico-chemical analysis of water was performed by following methods of American public health association.  During the survey 28 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded representing phylum Annelida (8 taxa), Arthropoda (13 taxa), and Mollusca (7 taxa). Mean population density of macroinvertebrates was estimated 6376 ind./m2. The annelids were found dominant (2524 ind./m2) followed by arthropods (2411 ind./m2) and molluscs (1441 ind./m2). Mean value of Biological indices was computed 2.41 (Shannon’s index), 0.89 (Simpson’s index), 1.55 (Margalef’s index), and 0.17 (Pielou evenness index). Water quality assessment revealed eutrophic, alkaline, highly productive, hard water type, and organically polluted nature of lake waters. Water quality, sewage influx, organic wastes, agricultural wastes, and macrophytes were observed as the influential factors in determining the patterns in diversity, distribution, and composition of macroinvertebrate community in the lake. Anthropogenic pressure at lake catchments was observed as a major force behind the current ecological conditions of lake. The study concludes that the lake is under anthropogenic and pollution stress and urges for immediate restoration measures.

Keywords: Macroinvertebrates, diversity, water quality, urbanization, pollution