Agricultural and Biological Research

Determination of water quality and ecology of river dihing river: A tributary of almighty Brahmaputra, Assam, NE India

Bhenila Bailung, S. P. Biswas

Water quality of River Dihing, a tributary of the Brahmaputra was assessed for fish production purposes. From the study, it was found that the ranges of these parameters were found almost within the permissible limit of BIS, 1983. In spite of human activity, disposal of sewage, fertilizers from paddy fields, less eutrophication was noticed in the studied aquatic body. The range of abiotic parameters of R. Dihing water was compared with the standard indexes and found within the desirable limit. Fish culture by different fishermen, self-help groups was also observed during the study period.

Present investigation was also done to identify the ichthyofaunal diversity and its utilization as alternative livelihood. River Dihing, a tributary of mighty River Brahmaputra is serving as a potential fish habitat. A total of 43 species belonging to 7 orders of 16 families were recorded. Among all these Cypriniformes had the majority occupying 40% and were recorded as dominated order.