Studies on Rotifer Diversity from Various Water Bodies in Baramati City

Studies on Rotifer Diversity from Various Water Bodies in Baramati City

Deokate Pooja Dattatray, Awaghade Yugandhar Dattatray Department of Zoology Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati

Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of rotifers in various freshwater bodies of Baramati city, Maharashtra, to better understand their ecological roles and potential as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health. It was hypothesized that water bodies within Baramati would host a diverse rotifer community influenced by local environmental conditions. To evaluate this, samples were collected from multiple sites, including ponds, lakes, and stagnant waters, and identified using standard taxonomic keys. The investigation resulted in the identification of 12 rotifer species belonging to 6 families and 3 orders. The presence of these species indicates a moderately diverse rotifer community and reflects the ecological variability of the region's freshwater habitats. These findings provide baseline data for future ecological monitoring, support the use of rotifers in environmental assessments, and emphasize the importance of conserving microfaunal diversity to maintain ecosystem balance.

KEYWORDS
Rotifer diversity, Freshwater ecosystems, Baramati, Bioindicators, Aquatic microfauna.