Ecology of rotifers in Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India

Abstract

Water and rotifer samples were analysed simultaneously from nine different habitats along Cochin backwaters during the period from August 2000 to July 2002. The correlation coefficients were worked out between rotifers and thirteen environmental characteristics with respect to each station separately as well as in the study area as a whole. Rotifers showed significant positive correlations with nitrite, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, phosphate and biochemical oxygen demand, in the study area. Station-wise results on correlation along with the levels of significance are presented and discussed.