IJEDR

International Journal of Ecology and Development Research

Vol. 4(1), pp. 044-052, March, 2018. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 2326-7204

Research Article

The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production

in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
1AK Singh, 2*Rani Kumari, 3Arun Kumar
1,2
Department of Zoology, B.D. College (Magadh University), Patna 800 001, India
3
P.G. Department of Zoology, B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura 852 113, India

This study aimed to estimate photosynthetic productivity of phytoplankton and water quality in
two floodplain lakes of north Bihar, India. Gross phytoplankton productivity ranged from 1.849 g
Cm-2day-1 to 4.994 g Cm-2day-1 at Tarawe chaur and 1.319 g Cm-2day-1 to 3.965 g Cm-2day-1 at
Gamharia chaur. The net primary productivity measured as 1.037 g Cm-2day-1 to 3.849 g Cm-2day-1
at Tarawe chaur and 1.003 g Cm-2day-1 to 2.621 g Cm-2day-1 at Gamharia chaur. Primary productivity
(GPP and NPP) of phytoplankton show a single annual peak. Respiration rates varied between
0.428 g Cm-2day-1 to 2.017 g Cm-2day-1 at Tarawe chaur and 0.489 g Cm-2day-1 to 1.475 g Cm-2day-1 at
Gamharia chaur. Seasonal variation in phytoplankton gross and the net productivity was almost
similar, highest in summer and lowest in winter. NPP/GPP ratio and respiration as percentage of
gross production were computed. Physico-chemical parameters of water were analysed
concurrently.

Keywords: Floodplain lakes, phytoplankton productivity, water quality, environmental factors, correlation

INTRODUCTION

Wetlands situated on flood plains of major river systems
are one of the most highly productive ecosystems on earth.
Floodplain wetlands are frequently found at the interface
between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Besides
supporting a wide range of biological diversity and
important fisheries they offer spawning and nursery areas
for many riverine fish. Biotic interactions and the
productivity of these wetlands are strongly influenced by
the flood condition (Junk et al., 1989). Despite of the
ecological importance, little information is available on
productivity of floodplain wetlands.
Primary productivity is the rate at which solar energy is
converted to organic compounds by the autotrophs or
primary producers that is available to next trophic level
(Odum, 1971; Wetzel and Likens, 1979), thus forms base
of food chain (Helbling and Villafane, 2009). Measuring
primary productivity of aquatic ecosystem is crucial for
understanding the trophic status in relation to maximizing
fish production (Oglesby, 1977; McConnell et al., 1988).
Phytoplankton, periphyton and macrophytes are the most
important primary producers in lakes ecosystems. Other
primary producers (e.g. photosynthetic and
chemosynthetic bacteria etc.) may occur, but usually
contribute less to primary production (Robertson et al.,
2001). More recently, the impact of solar radiation on the
aquatic ecosystem and primary production has been
discussed and measured in temperate and tropical regions
of the world (Rogers and Ralph, 2010). In India, a large
number of studies have been made on the physical,
chemical and biological characteristics of floodplain
wetlands, but, estimation of primary productivity is ignored.
However, in recent year, primary productivity of
photosynthetic communities in wetlands have highlighted
by some workers (Sugunan et al., 2000; Datta, 2003; Palui
and Jha, 2003; Baruah, 2003; Sarma et al., 2007; Banerjee
and Chattopadhyaya, 2008; Sharma, 2010; Dash et al.,
2011; Ziauddin et al., 2013), but, information from north
Bihar is lacking.
*Corresponding author: Rani Kumari, Department of
Zoology, B.D. College (Magadh University), Patna 800
001, India. E-mail: ranikumari2474@gmail.com Tel:
+919470667254, +919431950370 Co-Authors:
1arnksingh@gmail.com, 3prf.arunkumar@gmail.com

The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
Singh et al. 045
North Bihar is endowed with a large number of floodplain
wetlands, called mans (ox-bow lakes), chaurs (tectonic
depressions/floodplain lakes) and dhars (old-channels),
covers area of 40,000 ha (Sugunan and Bhattacharjya,
2000). Among the wetlands, floodplain lakes are critical,
they are the sources of food, income and with a huge
fishery potential with more fish species. Keeping in view
the need for maximizing fish production, the present study
was carried out to estimate the primary production of
phytoplankton and to provide information on water quality
in floodplain lakes of north Bihar, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The study was conducted in floodplain lakes, namely
Gamharia chaur and Tarawe chaur located in Madhepura
district of Bihar, India. Both lakes are situated in the river
Kosi basin at 26o8′N latitude and 86o5′E longitude 23 km
north of Madhepura town. Location of the floodplain lakes
is shown in Figure 1. The selected lakes are located in
similar geographical area and climate, but, vary in shape,
size and depths. Seasonal flooding and rainwater runoff
are major source of water. Of the two lakes, Gamharia
chaur is small shallow lake lies close to Gamharia village,
covers an area of 10 ha with mean depth of 1.5 m and
receive domestic waste water continuously from village.
This lake is located near NH-106, usually infested by water
hyacinth (Eicchornia sp). Tarawe chaur is a large lake
located 3 km north from Gamharia chaur. The size of lake
is 21 ha with mean depth of 2.3 m. Marginal area is
occupied by floating macrophytes. These lakes serve as
fishing ground, a place for fish production and aqua-fruits
cultivation. Water is used for agriculture and irrigation.
Water sampling and analyses
Monthly productivity experiments were conducted in situ
from November 2012 to October 2013. Rates of
phytoplankton primary production and respiration were
measured using the light-dark bottle incubation method
(Gaarder and Gran, 1927). Light bottle allows
photosynthesis and respiration, and dark bottles permit
only respiration. Winkler’s method was followed for oxygen
determination (APHA, 1989). For the analysis of primary
productivity water samples were taken from lakes with a
one-liter polyethylene bottle from the selected depth (30
cm below the surface water). The samples collected
contain planktonic organisms including phytoplankton. The
light and dark bottles filled in duplicate with same water.
Oxygen of one light bottle was measured immediately
regarded as the initial level of oxygen. The remaining
bottles were placed in situ at the same depth and place.
Incubation was done for 6 hrs (9.00 am to 3.00 pm). The
bottles were removed at the end of the experiments and
analysed for oxygen. From the difference in oxygen within
The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
the light and dark bottles relative to the initial oxygen, the
rate of primary production can be calculated (Jhingran et
al., 1969) and expressed as g C m-2d-1. Oxygen values
were converted to carbon values by multiplying with the
factor 0.375 (Sreenivasan, 1964). The physico-chemical
parameters were analysed following standard methods
(APHA, 1989; Trivedy and Goel, 1986). Pearson’s
correlation analyses were made to assess relationships
between primary productivity and water parameters.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Physico-chemical characteristics of water
Changes in water quality regulate the rates of primary
productivity by limiting characteristics of the autotrophs or
primary producers. Table 1 summarizes the water quality
of floodplain lakes.
The selected lakes were shallow water bodies, therefore
heated up rapidly by the sun’s radiation, increase in
temperature increasing chemical and biochemical
reaction, which ultimately affects primary productivity
agrees with the findings of previous workers (Sugunan et
al., 2000). Light is a central factor limiting natural
productivity, Secchi dish visibility was high at Tarawe
chaur (34.82±17.10 cm), though, the discharge of waste
water reduces water clarity at Gamharia chaur
(27.92±11.56 cm), which in turn affecting productivity.
Conductivity was high at Gamharia chaur (284.04±108.24
µmho cm-1) could be due to release of waste water from
village increase ionic concentrations. pH falls within acidic
to alkaline range. The removal of free carbon dioxide
during photosynthesis increases pH at Tarawe chaur (6.9-
8.3), while the respiratory release of carbon dioxide might
be the reason for lower pH at Gamharia chaur (6.2-7.9).
DO was higher at Tarawe chaur (5.2 mgl-1 to 8.9 mgl-1)
might be due to more light penetration in water, thus
facilitating high rate of photosynthesis. The lower DO at
Gamharia chaur (4.9 mgl-1to 7.4 mgl-1) could be due to the
microbial breakdown of organic wastes consuming oxygen
agrees with the findings of some workers (Moundiotiya et
al., 2004). Carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis hence
it is vital for primary productivity. Free carbon dioxide was
recorded only in monsoon might be due to high
decomposition rates of waste materials release carbon
dioxide (Sugunan et al., 2000), though, its concentration
was very low agreeing with the findings of some workers
(Sugunan et al., 2000). Carbonate and bicarbonate are the
major source of alkalinity. Carbonate was observed when
the carbon dioxide was absent. Bicarbonate was higher at
Gamharia chaur (176.26±32.30 mgl-1) probably due to the
disposal of nutrient-rich wastes from village. Calcium and
magnesium concentration was too low reflecting soft-water
characteristics might be due to high rate of cations (Ca +2
and Mg+2) assimilation by the aquatic plants. Chloride
concentration was not alarming, however, its higher value

at Gamharia chaur probably due to addition of waste water
from human habitation and cattle-shed. Nitrogen and
phosphorus are regarded as primary productivity limiting
nutrients. In this study, nitrate-N and phosphate-P falls
within productive range. The lakes receive nitrogen and
phosphorus either naturally from flooding or through runoff
from nutrient-rich agricultural fields agrees with the
findings of some workers (Ganesan and Khan, 2008;
Sharma, 2010). Low BOD at Tarawe chaur (1.4 mgl-1 to
2.9 mgl-1) show a good water quality while the high at
Gamharia chaur (2.1 mgl-1 to 6.1 mgl-1) reveal decline in
water quality might be due to release of organic waste-
loaded water from village (Moundiotiya et al., 2004).
Overall water quality was similar in the lakes as they
receive water from same sources.
Primary productivity
Gross and net primary productivity, respiration, NPP/GPP
ratio and respiration as percentage of gross data are
summarized in Table 2. Seasonal variation is shown in
Figure 2 to 4. Correlation analysis data is given in Table 3.
In this study, gross primary production of phytoplankton
ranged from 1.849 g C m-2d-1 to 4.994 g C m-2d-1 at Tarawe
chaur and 1.319 g C m-2d-1 to 3.965 g C m -2d-1 at Gamharia
chaur. Mean phytoplankton GPP was 2.872±1.11 g C m-
2d-1and 2.395±0.78 g C m-2d-1 (Table 2). Net primary
productivity (NPP) is the GPP minus the organic matter
consumed as energy source in the metabolisms of
producers. Net phytoplankton production was less than of
gross production ranged from 1.037 g C m-2d-1 to 3.849 g
C m-2d-1 at Tarawe chaur and 1.003 g C m-2d-1 to 2.621 g
C m-2d-1 at Gamharia chaur. Mean NPP was 1.854±0.84 g
C m-2d-1and 1.385±0.54 g C m-2d-1 (Table 2). The two lakes
did not differ much in overall rate of gross and net primary
production. When the obtained value of primary
productivity compared with range reported from others
wetlands showed that it varies tremendously in terms of
gross and net primary productivity. Primary productivity of
an ox-bow lake of Kashmir was 2112 mg C m-2d-1 (Vass
and Langer, 1990). Net primary productivity was 41.8 mg
C m-3h-1 in floodplain lakes of West Bengal (Vinci and
Mitra, 2000). Net phytoplankton production varied from
110 mg C m-2d-1to 1750 mg C m-2d-1in beels of Assam
(Sugunan and Bhattacharjya, 2000). Mean gross and net
primary production was 1148.13±246.80 mg C m-3d-1 and
548.41 ± 86.78 mg C m-3d-1 in ox-bow beels of
Brahmaputra floodplain (Baruah, 2003). Phytoplankton
productivity ranged from 2220 mg C m-2d-1 to 2919 mg C
m-2d-1 in floodplain wetlands of Bihar (Palui and Jha, 2003).
Net primary productivity varied between 12.5 mg C m-3h-1
to 412.5 mg C m-3h-1 in wetlands of West Bengal (Datta,
2003). Net productivity fluctuates between 150 mg C m-3h-
1 to 137 mg C m -3h-1 in Loktak Lake of Manipur (Mukherjee
et al., 2006). Gross productivity of phytoplankton ranged
from 0.389 g C m-2d-1 to 1.393 g C m -2d-1 and the net
productivity 0.294 g C m -2d-1 to 9.699 g C m-2d-1 in beels of
West Bengal (Chaudhuri, 2007).Gross phytoplankton
The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
Int. J. Ecol. Devel. Res. 046
productivity ranged from 2.7 g C m -2d-1 to 4.27 g C m-2d-1
and net productivity 2.05 g C m -2d-1 to 2.80 g C m-2d-1 in
beels of Assam (Sarma et al., 2007). Highest gross and
net primary productivity in beels of Assam was 0.847 mg
C m-3h-1 and 0.798 mg C m-3h-1 (Hazarika, 2010). Gross
primary productivity of phytoplankton ranged from 2.88 g
C m-2d-1 to 4.66 g C m-2d-1 and the net productivity 1.72 g
C m-2d-1 to 2.94 g C m-2 d-1 in riverine wetlands of Assam
(Sarma et al., 2013). The primary production rates as
obtained in the present study are comparatively high as
reported from other wetland this indicates that a large
amount of organic production is available to next trophic
level. High primary production at Tarawe chaur showed a
good trophic condition maybe due to better conversion rate
of solar energy into chemical energy.
Seasonal variation in phytoplankton primary productivity
show an increasing trend from winter, reached highest in
summer and then decline in monsoon. Gross and net
primary productivity in this study showed a single annual
peak, although, some workers reported bimodality in
riverine wetlands (Sarma et al., 2007). Phytoplankton
primary productivity was high in summer might be due to
greater light intensity, long photoperiods and high
temperature increase photosynthetic production agree the
findings of some workers (Sugunan and Bhattacharjya,
2000), while, the low during winter could be due to low
temperature, poor light intensity and short photoperiods. In
spite of these, there are numerous factors that determine
photosynthetic rate of phytoplankton. GPP showed
significant (p>0.01) positive correlation with water
temperature (r=0.674), chloride (r=0.619) and magnesium
(r=0.752) and significant negative correlation with
carbonate (r=-0.630) at Tarawe chaur, while, it depicted
significant positive correlation with water temperature
(r=0.543), magnesium (r=0.566) and calcium (r=0.559) at
Gamharia chaur (Table 3). The net primary productivity
can be influenced by the different light environments and
increase in rates of respiration (Hubas et al., 2006). Net
productivity provides the energetic and material basis for
all heterotrophic life. The NPP showed significant (p>0.01)
positive correlation with water temperature (r=0.516),
calcium (r=0.655), magnesium (r=0.797) and chloride
(r=0.682) and significant negative correlation with
carbonate (r=-0.638) at Tarawe chaur, but, it showed
significant positive correlation with calcium (r=0.552) and
magnesium (r=0.540) at Gamharia chaur (Table 3).
During the periods of flooding, phytoplankton density
declined abruptly, which in turn affects lake productivity
agrees with findings of some workers (Sarma et al., 2007).
Furthermore, when the floodwater recedes, density of
phytoplankton increase sharply dominates ecosystem,
latter on aquatic macrophytes become dominant
communities. The rates of primary productivity increased
with increasing temperature (Davison, 1991). The results
contradict this pattern as phytoplankton production was
low in monsoon when the temperature was high. This
Singh et al. 047
means, temperature is not solely responsible for limiting
primary productivity agrees with the findings of some
workers (Banerjee and Chattopadhyaya, 2008; Dash et al.,
2011). Gross and net production was highest at Tarawe
chaur might be due to the greater phytoplankton density,
though, the lowest at Gamharia chaur could be attributed
to discharge of waste water interrupt functioning of aquatic
ecosystem. Furthermore, invasion of floating macrophytes
reduced light supply in water and suppressed
phytoplankton development which untimely leads to low
production.
Community respiration
Respiration rate did not show much difference between the
lakes ranged from 0.428 g C m-2d-1 to 2.017 g C m-2d-1 at
Tarawe chaur and 0.489 g C m-2d-1 to 1.475 g C m-2d-1 at
Gamharia chaur. Mean respiration rate was 1.065±0.329
g C m-2d-1 and 1.009±0.275 g C m-2d-1 (Table 2).
Respiration rate exhibited seasonal variability, high in
summer might be due to greater microbial metabolisms,
while low during winter could be due to the low
temperature and poor sun’s light affects rate of
photosynthetic efficiency (Ahmad and Singh, 1987). Some
workers reported high respiration rate in winter and
moderate during flood season in bor-beel and the high in
monsoon and low during autumn in beels of Assam
(Hazarika, 2010). Primary production rate in this study
exceeds respiration, it showed that lakes have autotrophic
environments. High respiration at Tarawe chaur could be
due to unpredictable nature of heterotrophic organisms.
Respiration showed significant (p>0.01) positive
correlation with water temperature (r=0.847) and BOD
(r=0.614) and significant negative correlation with
carbonate (r=-0.592) at Tarawe chaur while, it showed
significant (p>0.01) positive correlation with water
temperature (r=0.834), phosphate (r=0.645), BOD
(r=0.591) and bicarbonate (r=0.694), and significant
negative correlation with pH (r=-0.572) and carbonate (r=-
0.720) at Gamharia chaur (Table 3).
NPP/GPP ratio
The ratio of NPP/GPP should approach unity in a healthy
population, if, respiration is 5% to 10% of the total
photosynthesis (Ketchem et al., 1958). If this ratio is zero
it shows poor physiological state of producer organisms
due to nutrient deficiency. In the present study, NPP/GPP
ratio was almost similar in both lakes ranged from 0.51 to
0.80 at Tarawe chaur and 0.50 to 0.79 at Gamharia chaur.
Mean ratio was 0.64±0.08 and 0.57±0.04 (Table 2). Similar
ratio was reported from floodplain lakes of Bihar (Palui and
Jha, 2003). NPP/GPP ratio of 0.5 g O 2/m2/day is good for
water body (Odum, 1971). NPP/GPP ratio was generally
less than one reflects that both lakes were productive.
Ratio value was almost similar in lakes might be due to
similarity in geographical location, topography and
catchment features, but, a little variation could be due to
The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
differences in ecological condition, size and depth.
NPP/GPP ratio was low in monsoon might be due to the
rainfall and floodwater dilutes phytoplankton density
(Singh and Singh, 1999). The NPP/GPP ratio reflects
productivity potential of water body because it remains low
in productive ecosystem (Ganf and Horne, 1975).
NPP/GPP ratio less than 0.5 reveal eutrophication
(Bindloss et al., 1972). The results showed Gamharia
chaur (0.57±0.04) progressing towards eutrophic
condition.
Respiration as percentage of GPP
Respiration as percentage of gross may be as a measure
of eutrophic nature (Ganff and Horne 1975). This percent
was really determined in previous studies, however, in this
study it ranged from 20.23% to 49.23% at Tarawe chaur
and 22.11% to 49.53% at Gamharia chaur, with mean
value of 34.46±8.05% and 42.79±4.40% (Table 2). Some
workers reported the respiration as percentage of gross
20% to 45% in tropical estuary (Qasim et al., 1969) and
5.55% to 31.94% in fresh water body (Ahmad and Singh,
1987). Variation in respiration as percentage of gross was
seen, highest in monsoon and lowest in winter. Respiration
higher than 40% of gross production is characteristic of
eutrophication (Ganf, 1972). The data obtained indicate
eutrophic conditions at Gamharia chaur.
CONCLUSIONS
The study highlighted phytoplankton productivity status
and water quality in floodplain lakes of north Bihar, India.
Results show that floodplain lakes were highly productive
ecosystems as sufficient organic material is synthesized
for rising and supporting aquatic life and boosting fishery
production. Phytoplankton productivity was affected by the
interactions of a number of factors, like light, photoperiod
and temperature. Water quality variables were interrelated
and have profound effects on primary productivity. Primary
productivity showed close links with seasonal flooding.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank the Principal (B.D. College,
Magadh University, Patna), and the Department of
Zoology for providing necessary facilities for this work.
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The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
 Int. J. Ecol. Devel. Res. 050

APPENDIX

Fig. 1: Geographical location of sampling sites.

Fig. 2: Variations of Gross Primary Production.

The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
Singh et al. 051

Fig. 3: Variations of Net Primary Production.

Fig. 4: Variations of Community Respiration.

Table 1: Selected physico-chemical variables of floodplain lakes (Minimum/Maximum, mean and standard
deviation).

Parameters Tarawe chaur Gamharia chaur

Min/Max Mean ± SD Min/Max Mean ± SD
Water temperature 18.5 - 35.3 27.85 ± 5.69 18.3 - 33.8 26.82 ± 4.48
Transparency 9.9 - 59.6 34.82 ± 17.10 10.5 - 44.3 27.92 ± 11.56
Electrical conductivity 89.6 - 227.4 160.32 ± 43.39 109.3 - 461.8 284.04 ± 108.24
pH 6.9 - 8.3 7.55 ± 0.41 6.2 - 7.7 6.94 ± 0.47
Dissolved oxygen 5.2 - 8.9 6.97 ± 1.14 4.9 - 7.4 6.08 ± 0.84
Free CO₂ 4.7 - 9.4 7.05 ± 3.32 5.2 - 11.8 8.63 ± 3.30
Carbonate alkalinity 11.0 - 16.1 13.27 ± 1.60 12.8 - 22.1 16.73 ± 3.17
Bicarbonate alkalinity 107.6 - 159.5 131.18 ± 17.29 121.7 - 215.7 176.26 ± 32.30
Calcium 18.6 - 29.5 24.10 ± 3.68 10.8 - 26.9 18.92 ± 4.82
Magnesium 6.0 - 9.9 7.75 ± 1.26 7.1 - 13.4 10.30 ± 2.10
Chloride 6.3 - 16.2 11.80 ± 3.32 17.4 - 35.7 27.31 ± 5.73
Nitrate nitrogen 0.11 - 0.41 0.28 ± 0.11 0.33 - 0.70 0.51 ± 0.11
Phosphate phosphorus 0.06 - 0.20 0.12 ± 0.04 0.09 - 0.21 0.15 ± 0.04
BOD 1.4 - 2.9 2.29 ± 0.49 2.1 - 6.1 4.35 ± 1.40
All the parameters are expressed in mg/l, except pH, temperature (oC), transparency (cm), electrical conductivity (µ
mho/cm).

The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India
 Int. J. Ecol. Devel. Res. 052

Table 2: Primary productivity parameters of floodplain lakes.

Parameters Tarawe chaur Gamharia chaur
Range Mean ± SD Range Mean ± SD
Gross Primary Production 1.849 - 4.994 2.872 ± 1.11 1.319 -3.965 2.395 ± 0.78
Net Primary Production 1.037 - 3.382 1.854 ± 0.84 0.728 -2.621 1.385 ± 0.54
Community respiration 0.491 - 1.816 1.065 ± 0.33 0.591 -1.475 1.009 ± 0.28
NPP: GPP ratio 0.51 - 0.76 0.64 ± 0.08 0.50 - 0.66 0.57 ± 0.04
Respiration as % of gross 24.18 - 49.23 34.46 ± 8.05 33.9 - 49.53 42.79 ± 4.40

42.790 ± 4.40
GPP, NPP and CR values in g C/m 2/day

Table 3: Correlation co-efficient (r) values between primary productivity and water quality variables.
Parameters Tarawe chaur Gamharia chaur
GPP NPP CR GPP NPP CR
Water Temperature 0.674* 0.516* 0.847* 0.543* 0.324 0.834*
Transparency - 0.069 0.098 - 0.366 - 0.123 0.088 -0.536*
Sp. Conductivity. 0.010 0.163 - 0.322 - 0.048 0.160 - 0.480
pH - 0.292 - 0.144 - 0.519* - 0.144 0.075 -0.572*
Dissolved oxygen - 0.229 - 0.098 - 0.440 - 0.148 0.057 -0.541*
Free carbon dioxide - 0.341 - 0.185 - 0.700 - 0.425 - 0.428 - 0.126
Carbonate alkalinity - 0.630* - 0.638* - 0.592* - 0.511 - 0.342 -0.720*
Bicarbonate alkalinity 0.113 - 0.059 0.412 0.377 0.172 0.694*
Calcium 0.604* 0.655* 0.359 0.559* 0.552* 0.386
Magnesium 0.752* 0.797* 0.563* 0.566* 0.540* 0.432
Chloride 0.619* 0.682* 0.380 0.466 0.511 0.212
Nitrate-nitrogen 0.168 0.012 0.454 0.153 - 0.066 0.576*
Phosphate-phosphorus 0.212 0.059 0.459 0.290 0.081 0.645*
Biochemical oxygen demand 0.372 0.211 0.614* 0.192 - 0.023 0.591*
* = Significant at p >0.01

The Contribution of Phytoplankton to the Primary Production in Floodplain Lakes (Chaurs) of North Bihar, India