1Research Scholar, University Department of Zoology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Email: beingmantu123@gmail.com
2Research Scholar, University Department of Zoology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Email: sweta.pooja15@gmail.com
3Research Scholar, University Department of Zoology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Email: richakumari209@gmail.com
4Research Scholar, University Department of Zoology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Email: jeet04221@gmail.com
5Assistant Professor (Sr. Scale), University Department of Zoology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Email: nikkikumari74@gmail.com
The seasonal variation is very important to determine the physico-chemical features of freshwater ecosystems and the organization of aquatic organisms. The current research focuses on the seasonal changes in water qualities parameters, and fish diversity in the Baya River, the Saraiya block, Muzaffarpur district, North Bihar. The sampling of fields and ichthyological surveys were done in three different seasons, namely, pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August) and post-monsoon (November). The most significant physico-chemical parameters such as water temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity were measured through the conventional limnological parameters. The richness and diversity indices were used to measure fish diversity to determine seasonal fluctuations of ichthyofaunal structure. The results indicate that water quality had strong seasonal variations whereby the water quality in monsoon season was characterized by high level of dissolved oxygen and low TDS because of increased flow and dilution effects. On the other hand, the pre-monsoon season was due to increased temperature, decreased flow and dissolved oxygen, which meant that fish diversity was lower. 34 different species of fish were observed in pre-monsoon season, 48 species were observed in monsoon season and 41 species were observed in post-monsoon season and the dominant family of these was Cyprinidae. The findings reveal how seasonal hydrology affects river water quality and fish diversity and why seasonal conservation and management plans are necessary to maintain the freshwater biodiversity in North Bihar.
Keywords: Baya River, seasonal variation, water quality, fish diversity, limnology, riverine ecosystem, North Bihar
How to cite this article: Kumar M, Shabnam S, Kumari R, Kumar A, Kumari N. Seasonal Variations in Water Quality and Fish Diversity of the Baya River in Saraiya Block, Muzaffarpur (North Bihar): A Limnological Investigation. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(14s): 427. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.14s.45
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None