Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of environmental pollution on aquatic vertebrate biodiversity were studied and inventory of vertebrate fauna of Hub Dam was prepared. The water samples taken from four sampling sites from the study areas viz. Main Dam, Spill way, Hub Canal and shallow water area were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters viz temperature in air, temperature in water, color, pH, TDS, COD, BOD, alkalinity, salinity, conductivity, hardness, Phosphate, Nitrate, Bicarbonates, Sulphate, Chloride, Carbon dioxide, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity and Fluoride, Cations (Ca+, Na+, Mg+, K+ ) and some selected heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg). The seasonal and yearly variations in selected physico chemical parameters and trace metals were determined with respect to the amount of annual rainfall and contamination factors involved. During the study, no adverse effects of environmental pollution were found on the aquatic biodiversity except for some minor toxic effects due to trace metals in water. All the physico – chemical parameters’ values were observed as per limits of World Health Organization standard. Microbial analysis was carried out and water samples of Hub Dam did not meet the microbiological standard set by WHO. After suitable treatment the water may be supplied for domestic use. As many as 16 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles, 03 species of amphibians, 29 species of fishes, and 25 species of plants were recorded from the Hub Dam area. There are no serious effects of pollution on the vertebrate biodiversity of the wetland. The population of the waterbirds has declined significantly in recent years mainly due to disturbances and commercial fishing activities in the reservoir area.