AN OVERVIEW ON OCCURRENCE OF MACROPHYTES AND FISH DIVERSITY IN STAGNANT WATER BODIES NEAR THERMAL POWER STATION, JAMSHORO, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Macrophytes and fish species are grow in few small water bodies near Thermal Power Plant Jamshoro. The Thermal Power Plant Jamshoro is a major power station located at the right bank of Indus River altitude 25˚28’30.90” N & 68˚16’33.09” E on the global map. The research studies on water quality, fish, and macrophytes distribution in the wetlands were carried out. The satellite images of the wetland area indicated the situation of barren land, open water and growth of aquatic vegetation during 1990 barren land was observed 0.732026 while in 2026 0.356503. The growth of macrophytes was observed 0.291447 however it gradually increased up to 0.677029 in the wetland area and the open water during 1990 was spread out 0.11389 and in 2026 0.677029. The occurrence of fish and macrophyte species were examined with certain water quality variables. 10 fish species, 11 macrophyte members and 5 wild plant species were reported from 4 stagnant water bodies of Jamshoro Thermal Power Station. The results of physico-chemical parameters such as temperature (˚C) of air and water were noted 33.33±1.23 and 26.78±0.78 respectively, transparency turbidity values 52±4.83 cm, pH is 8.0±0.245, alkalinity (CaCO3) 183.8±11.2 mg/l, salinity123±117.6 ppm/l, total dissolved solids (TDS) 1634.8±2355 mg/l and electrical conductivity (EC) of 1095±486 µS/cm. based on scientific results of water quality variables that directly effect aquatic life that are most common in open channels and stagnant bodies. The macrophyte species richness shows the dense formations at various zones of stagnant waters. Most common macrophyte species were recorded; Cyperus difformis, Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, Lemna major, Nymphaea lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, Najas minor, Phragmites karka, Scirpus littorals and Typha domingensis. However, fish species from stagnant and open channels occurred namely; Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Gibelion catla, Channa marulius, Channa striata, Oreochromis mossambicus, Oreochromis niloticus Mastacembilus armatus, Rita rita. Aorichthys aor and Wallago attu. The results of water quality variables, macrophytes and fish species were found slightly higher sides, when compared with recommended values of WHO and NEQS for drinking water. While bioindicators macrophytes and fish species exist indicated the eutrophic condition of the water bodies. The oil, grease globules and other organic traces were also reported at certain places, indicating they might be mixed in water. Therefore, it is suggested that the discharged water should be treated and purified before being released outside of the station