Microfauna Community on Some Aquatic Plant Roots

Abstract

Microfauna community on duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), common duckweed (Lemna perpusilla), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) roots was investigated from October, 1989 through August, 1990. At least 94 genera of protozoans, 2 genera of hydras, 9 genera of turbellarians, 1 genus of gastroticha, 27 genera of rotifers, 4 genera of segmented worms, 1 genus of fresh water snail, 1 genus of bryozoa, 1 genus of tradigrade and 8 genera of mostly crustacean arthropods were recorded. Duckweed and water lettuce roots were the better habitat than the others. In addition, seasonal change had no effect on the community on and around the roots. Determination of water quality by biological index which based on existence of certain protozoans revealed that the water quality was mesosaprobic.