Analysis of the Statistical Relationship between Fish Diversity and Physicochemical Parameters of Water across Four Rivers (Hasdeo, Tan, Ahiran and Chornai) of Korba District, Chhattisgarh India

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning but are increasingly affected by anthropogenic disturbances. This study examined the relationship between fish diversity and water quality in the Hasdeo, Tan, Ahiran, and Chornai rivers of Korba district, Chhattisgarh, India. Seasonal sampling was conducted during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon periods (March 2025 to April 2026) across 12 sampling stations. A total of 62 fish species belonging to 36 genera, 23 families, and 12 orders were recorded. Fish diversity was evaluated using species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity, Simpson’s dominance, and Pielou’s evenness indices, while physicochemical parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed.
The Hasdeo and Ahiran rivers exhibited higher species richness and diversity, associated with higher DO and lower BOD, COD, and TDS levels. In contrast, the Tan and Chornai rivers showed lower diversity, reflecting poorer water quality. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between DO and fish diversity, whereas BOD, COD, and TDS were negatively correlated. Principal Component Analysis identified oxygen availability and pollution load as major factors influencing fish assemblages. The findings highlight the importance of water quality management for conserving freshwater fish diversity in Korba district.