Ecological assessment of Oxbow Lakes: Interplay of water quality, plankton communities, and commercial fish populations in south-western Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2026.1103012Keywords:
Aquatic productivity, Fish sanctuaries, Fisheries management, Freshwater biodiversity, Plankton dynamicsAbstract
Oxbow lakes (baors) are semi-closed freshwater ecosystems that contribute substantially to inland fisheries and livelihoods in southwestern Bangladesh, yet their ecological productivity remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the physicochemical conditions, plankton diversity and abundance, and fish community structure of three baors—Bukbhora, Jhapa, and Khedapara—from July 2023 to June 2024. Monthly water quality monitoring, plankton sampling, identification, and fish community surveys were conducted to evaluate seasonal ecological patterns and production potential. Water temperature ranged from 21–33 °C, pH from 7.5–8.1, dissolved oxygen from 5.5–6.5 mg L⁻¹, alkalinity from 165–169 mg L⁻¹, and hardness from 169–179 mg L⁻¹, indicating generally favorable conditions for aquatic productivity and fish growth. Nitrite-nitrogen remained below the detection limit (<0.01 mg L⁻¹) throughout the study. Plankton analysis identified 56 genera, comprising 43 phytoplankton and 13 zooplankton taxa. Phytoplankton were dominated by Chlorophyceae, whereas copepods predominated among zooplankton. Plankton abundance showed strong seasonal variation, peaking in March, with phytoplankton consistently more abundant than zooplankton. A total of 35 commercially important fish species representing seven orders were recorded; Cypriniformes was the dominant order. Carnivorous fishes comprised 44% of the community, followed by omnivores (32%), herbivores (16%), and detritivores (8%). Overall, the baors exhibited favorable water quality and substantial plankton productivity that supported a diverse fish assemblage. The combined assessment of water quality, plankton dynamics, and trophic structure provides an integrated ecological baseline for prioritizing habitat restoration, seasonal fish sanctuaries, and ecosystem-based fisheries management to enhance sustainable production while conserving biodiversity.Downloads
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