Population dynamics of zooplankton in merbok estuary, Kedah, Malaysia in relation to some water quality parameters

Abstract

In the present investigation, Station 5 located in the downstream of the
Merbok estuary showed higher density of zooplankton (132 × 103 ind/m3) but it
was lowest (83 × 103 ind/m3) was at Station 2 (upstream). The highest and lowest
zooplankton density was observed in May and November, respectively. Twenty
groups of zooplankton were recorded and copepod was the dominant group at
all sampling stations during the sampling period. Months and stations were
statistically significant (Kruskal‐Wallis H test; p < 0.05) factors that affect the
density of zooplankton, temperature, salinity and nutrients. Mann‐Whitney U
test showed that temperature, NO2 and zooplankton density were significantly
different between seasons (p < 0.01). Significant correlation among zooplankton
density, chl a concentration and nutrients (p < 0∙01) were observed.