Interaction between Phytoplankton and Zooplankton in Some Freshwater Bodies in Relation to Some Ecological Factors in Taif, KSA

Abstract

Two water bodies in Taif city, Wadi Al-Arj and Saiysad, were investigated between December and February (wet season) and June to August, 2016 (Dry season) to investigate the community structure of fresh water phytoplankton and zooplankton and the influence of water quality and their impact on community structure. Physico-chemical variables such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, electric conductivity, hardness, pH, Alkalinity, reactive phosphate and Nitrate were measured. A total of 36 species of phytoplankton belonging to five taxa were identified in ascending order as follows: Xanthophycea (0-7.1 cell*105/L), Euglenophyceae (0-29.1 cell*105/L) Bacillariophyceae (13-58.9 cells*105/L), Cyanophyceae (18.6-45.1 cells*105/L) and Chlorophyceae (6-52.9 cell*105/L) in five stations. 37 zooplankton species were recorded in the 5 sites; the community was comprised of five groups, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, Protozoa and meroplankton. Rotifera was the most dominant group in all sites. The highest zooplankton density was recorded in sites 5 and 1 respectively. However site 3 (sewage water) was the lowest. In general, cyanobacteria were the abundant especially in station 3 in dry season and the lowest zooplankton density was in the same site.