Abstract
Dhamra estuarine ecosystem is a hotspot of rich biological diversity which supports a patch of mangrove along with unique flora and fauna. In this study, the diversity of phytoplankton population and otherfactors that control their growth and biodiversity were investigated. The samples were collected monthly from Dhamra estuary of Bay of Bengal at 6 different stations (grouped under three regions) from March -2008 toFebruary -2009. A total of 41 genera of phytoplankton species belonging to 4 classes of algae were identified. The maximum value of 9.3 X 104 cells l-1 was recorded in post monsoon season. Phytoplankton of Bacillariophyceae, appearing throughout the year, and represent majority of population (75-94%) at all the sampling stations, followed by Dinophyceae (3-14%), Cyanophyceae (3-8%) and Chlorophyceae (0-4%) classes. The Shannonweavers diversity index (H) remains between 0.22 and 2.49. Based on the correlation coefficient data, phytoplankton shows positive relationship with DO, salinity, nutrients and negative relationship with temperature and turbidity. Present study shows that the occurrence and diversity of these primary producers do not subscribe toa single dimensional phenomenon of a single factor, rather than, a consequence of a series of supported factors which will help to maintain and balance such type of fragile ecosystem
Highlights
Estuarine regions are important sinks for several elements
Dhamra river is the union of river Brahmani and Baitarani, the two largest rivers of Orissa, situated at the Bhadrakh district, just north of the boundary of Bhitarkanika wild life sanctuary, famous for its estuarine crocodiles and approximately 10 km from the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, which is the world’s most important nesting beach for Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Orissa coast of Bay of Bengal
A number of studies have been carried out on the ecological conditions of estuarine region, as Bay of Bengal is considered as a low productive zone (Madhupratap, et al, 2003), very limited work has been done in the east coast of Orissa
Summary
Estuarine regions are important sinks for several elements. In this study we tried to identify and asses the trend of phytoplankton species diversity at Dhamra Estuarine region with the water physico – chemical parameters. Influence of Water quality on the biodiversity of phytoplankton in Dhamra River Estuary of Odisha Coast, Bay of Bengal The samples were collected monthly from Dhamra estuary of Bay of Bengal at 6 different stations (grouped under three regions) from March -2008 to February -2009.
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