Using zooplankton
for water quality assessment in water bodies inside the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve,
Ho Chi Minh City
My Tran Ngoc Diem
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(5); 83-91;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/295rjce083091; (2025)
Abstract
Zooplankton has rapid responsiveness to environmental fluctuations, provides an
accurate reflection of ecosystem well-being and is associated with low economic
expenses. The study has recorded 52 species of 29 genera, 21 families, 6 classes,
4 phylum and 7 types of larvae in 24 sampling sites of 3 areas at Can Gio Biophere
Reserve. The density of plankton individuals ranged from 49800 individuals/ m3 to
273862 individuals/ m3. A majority of the sampling stations (14 out of 24) exhibit
a significant level of biodiversity and sustain communities with moderate pollution
(β-mesosaprobic). Some sites exhibit zooplankton communities that display lower
stability, average biodiversity and a significant amount of pollution (α-mesosaprobic).
One of them has an unstable zooplankton community characterized by low biodiversity
and a substantial pollution level.
The biological indicators of zooplankton have clearly identified three areas that
need additional focus, particularly due to unsustainable zooplankton communities
that have a considerable impact on water pollution. This highlights the necessity
of employing biological indicators of species inhabiting the environment for the
purpose of environmental monitoring. Furthermore, this indicates the necessity for
increased focus on the management of wastewater resulting from human activities
in highly populated residential areas and aquaculture zones.
