MPhil Thesis

Study of Zooplankton diversity in two selected lakes in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Study of Zooplankton diversity in two selected lakes in Dhaka city, Bangladesh Sikder, Shilpi Rani Urban aquatic ecosystems are essential components of the urban environment, playing crucial ecological roles such as water purification, habitat provision, and biodiversity support. Despite their immense significance, these ecosystems face numerous challenges due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the zooplankton diversity in Dhanmondi and Ramna Lakes, two major urban water bodies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to understand the influence of different environmental parameters and seasonal changes on the abundance and composition of zooplankton between April 2022 and August 2023. Zooplankton were sampled from eight stations per lake during the dry and wet seasons using a 64-μm plankton net, and water quality parameters (temperature, pH, DO, conductivity, salinity, TDS) were measured in situ. Quantitative estimation and identification were conducted using Sedgewick–Rafter counting and standard taxonomic keys. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, correlation, and multivariate regression. A total of 53 taxa were recorded, with 34 taxa in Dhanmondi and 19 in Ramna. Branchiopoda were the dominant group in both lakes (53–55%), while Bdelloidea and Insecta were least abundant. Seasonal variation showed consistently higher dominance of Branchiopoda in both seasons, whereas Bdelloidea and Flagellata remained low. Water quality comparison revealed a significant difference only in TDS (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed strong negative relationships between temperature and DO, while regression indicated DO and pH as the main predictors of zooplankton abundance, explaining 36–37% of the variation.This findings are not only vital for preserving biodiversity but also for ensuring the proper management of these two vital urban ecosystems as it revealed the zooplankton community dynamics as well as their seasonal variability. Furthermore, the findings of this study will inform improved conservation and management practices so that the urban lakes continue to thrive and provide essential ecological services. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Ichthyo diversity of Jamuna river, Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ichthyo diversity of Jamuna river, Sirajganj, Bangladesh Akter, Mst. Ashifa Millions of people depend on Bangladesh's river systems, which are among the most productive and biodiverse in the world. However, fish populations are under risk due to frequent environmental changes, which renders baseline research crucial for conservation. This study examined the seasonal variations of the fish species in the Jamuna River, Bangladesh, over a 12-month period of about 12-months from July 2022 to June 2023. The research aimed to understand how seasonal changes in this large and significant tropical river system affected fish diversity, abundance, and community composition. The Jamuna River, known for its dynamic hydrological conditions and diverse aquatic habitats, provides a unique environment to study the complex interactions between fish species and their environment. Understanding these seasonal patterns of the ichthyo diversity is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of fish populations, which are an important resource for local communities and ecosystems. Over the study period, a total of 79 distinct fish species, belonging to 10 orders and 27 families were identified and monitored to determine their abundance across different seasons. The study employed heat maps and diversity indices to analyze seasonal abundance patterns. Heat maps offered a visual representation of the distribution and concentration of species over time, while diversity indices quantified changes in species richness (number of different species), evenness (relative abundance of species), and overall diversity. These analytical tools provided a comprehensive overview of how fish communities varied in response to seasonal changes in the river's flow, temperature, and habitat conditions. The findings revealed clear and distinct seasonal trends in fish abundance. Several species, such as Hyporhamphus limbatus and Xenentodon cancila, were found to be more abundant during the rainy season, which corresponds to the monsoon period in Bangladesh. On the other hand, species such as Setipinna phasa, Chanda nama, Gagata youssoufi were observed to have higher abundances in the dry season, when water levels are lower. The findings from this study underscore the importance of understanding the natural seasonal variability of fish populations. Further research is needed to explore the specific ecological drivers behind these seasonal patterns and to evaluate the long-term impacts of environmental changes on fish communities in the Jamuna River and for developing management and conservation strategies. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Toxicity of formaldehyde and formalin against the oriental latrine fly chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) (Diptera:calliphoridae)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Toxicity of formaldehyde and formalin against the oriental latrine fly chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) (Diptera:calliphoridae) Prodhan, Salwa This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Impact of knowledge, attitude and practice on rural women and children with soil-transmitted helminths infections in Rangpur

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Impact of knowledge, attitude and practice on rural women and children with soil-transmitted helminths infections in Rangpur Liza, Fahmida Tasnim A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among school-age children (ages 6–12 years) and rural women (ages 15–49 years) from the Bengali and Santal communities in Rangpur, Bangladesh. A total of 352 women responded to the questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to STH infections. Socio demographic data reveals differences in religion, marital status, income, education, profession, and toilet facilities between the Bengali and Santal populations. Income, education, occupation, and the type of toilet user with STH infections correlate significantly with KAP (p < 0.05). Out of the 234 stool samples that were collected and examined, 81.9% and 100% of the samples from women (N = 188) and children (N = 46), respectively, were determined to be infected. A. lumbricoides was the most common STH (78.72% and 78.26%), whereas T. trichiura was the least prevalent parasite (3.19% and 4.3%) in both groups respectively. Women with low or no knowledge of the importance of eating well-cooked food, maintaining good hygiene, and receiving basic health education were shown to be substantially more likely to have high rates of STHs (p < 0.05). In this study, two categories — nail trimming and use of anthelmintic drugs by women from both populations were found to be positively associated with STH infections (p < 0.05). There was no discernible correlation (p > 0.05) between the prevalence of STHs and physical conditions such as diabetes, body mass index (BMI), COVID-19, and upset stomach. Interventions like deploying health extension workers, upgrading hygienic facilities, and promoting improved personal hygiene should be considered throughout the community. The results indicate the need for health education and improvement in community socioeconomic status. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.