On the use of statistical techniques to assess the interrelationships of key water characteristics and plankton in the RIver Ganga at Veer-Bhadra Barrage

Past studies have demonstrated that some physico-chemical parameters play an important role in determining the quantity and quality of plankton in mountain (Himalayan) rivers. Due to their interplay they have well-defined statistical relationships. The present study assesses relationships among water temperature, DO, pH, CO2 and total alkalinity (TA) and plankton in the foothill section of the river Ganga at Veer-Bhadra barrage, Rishikesh. The correlation and regression analysis between showed linear +ve weak (non-significant) relationship for all abiotic factors except WT-DO. DO and TA show –ve linear insignificant relationship with plankton. Weak relationships suggests a perturbed ecosystem