Comparative analysis of Zooplankton species diversity and vertical distribution at Goreangab and Avis Dam, Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Abstract A study to compare the zooplankton species diversity and vertical distribution at Goreangab and Avis dam was conducted. Systematic sampling was used to collect samples whereby a total of three stations per site were sampled at different depths. A cruising boat and the Niskin sampler were used to collect the samples. Zooplankton species were identified and counted in the Laboratory using a Zooplankton Identification Guide, Light microscope and Haematocytometer. Shannon – Weiner Index

of diversity was used to calculate species diversity of zooplankton at each station following a vertical profile for the two dams. To determine the significance in species diversity of zooplankton between Goreangab and Avis dam, F – test from the Two- way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with no blocking was used using GENSTAT programme. Furthermore, the multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the environmental conditions and the species diversity. The results showed no significant interaction between site and depth (p>0.05). No significant differences in zooplankton species diversity (p>0.05) between Goreangab and Avis dam, and also no significant difference (p>0.05) existed in the vertical distribution of the zooplanktons between the two sites. No significant relationship (p>0.05) was observed between environmental parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen) and zooplankton species diversity. This implies that the two sites had similar zooplankton species and that the combination of site and depth has no effect on the diversity and distribution of zooplanktons.