Seasonal variation of zooplankton in Ba Lai river, Ben Tre province

Abstract

The purpose of research is studying the variation of zooplankton community in Ba Lai river in Ben Tre province. Research was conducted in 2 seasons: rainy season (December, 2017) and dry season (March, 2018). There were 7 sampling points in Ba Lai river, Ben Tre province. Our study recorded 95 taxa zooplankton belong to 56 genera, 39 families, 12 orders, 8 classes and 5 phylums. Generally, Rotifers had highest munbers of species among 2 seasons. Rotifers were dominant in density and species composition at all sampling points in the rainy season. Copepods were dominant in density and species composition in the dry season. There were some marine species present at sampling points during the dry season. In addition, the Bray - Curtis analysis showed that the similarity of the zooplankton communities between rainy season and dry season at sampling points wasnot high. This suggests that there was a shift in the structure of the zooplankton community between rainy season and dry season. These are proof to prove the salinity rising in Ba Lai river in dry season. Although there is an irrigation dam to prevent the infiltration of salt water, but the infiltration of salt water is happening. A solution to preserve fresh water to provide local people in dry season is necessary.