Using zooplankton in some environmental biotic indices to assess water quality of Lake Nasser, Egypt

Abstract

The study used zooplankton as a tool of biotic elements to assess water quality of Lake Nasser and two of its main Khors (Wadi Abyad and Tushka) throughout different seasons in 2013. Species richness index (d), Wetland Zooplankton Index (WZI) and Saprobity index (S) were applied. The richness index values indicated that, the water quality of Lake Nasser is lower and may be polluted at some sites and time which didn’t reflect the actual ecological status of the lake. Wetland Zooplankton Index scores revealed that water quality at the three localities increased in spring (good water) followed by winter, while it was moderate in summer and autumn when water level is high. Saprobiological analysis showed that, the main channel had the best water quality (good water) in spring, while Khor Wadi Abyad contained good water quality in summer, but Khor Tushka had moderate water quality during the study period. Wetland Zooplankton Index and Saprobity index somewhat give a good indication to assess water quality of Lake Nasser and some developments are needed according to the nature of the lake and their dominant zooplankton indicator species.