Diversity, Distribution and Abundance of Phytoplankton from Palghar Coast of Maharashtra

Abstract

Diversity of phytoplankton and water quality of Dandi creek was studied during September 2009 to September 2010.Physicochemical parameters indicated variations in depth, pH, and temperature. DO, BOD, salinity, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium nitrate, phosphate etc. A total of 59 genera of phytoplankton were observed from Dandi creek system of which 50 genera were diatoms, 7 were dinoflagellates and 2 were other algae. Coscinodisccus was the most abundant genus in Dandi creek. Followed by Ditylum, Biddulphia, Bacillaria, Certatium, Nitzschia, Naviculla, Plurosigma, Rhizosolenia, Thalasiossira and Thalassiothrix. Variations showed in phytoplankton pigments at Dandi creek waters phytoplankton community. Variation of chlorophyll a ranged between 0.47 and 6.87 mg/m3 (av.3.45 mg/m3) and phaeophytin ranged between 0.18 and 2.8 mg/m3 (av.1.04 mg/m3). Concentration of phytoplankton pigments in the creek was fairly high. The chlorophyll a was higher in the outer zone than the interior zone of the creek. In general, phaeophytin level was lower than the chlorophyll a suggesting that the phytoplankton were in good physiological state. Seasonal variation in phytoplankton pigments was marginal. Phytoplankton pigments showed variations in concentration during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons at 5 different stations of creek.