Abstract
Gautami branch of Godavari River is a typical positive estuary and is in tidal communication with the open sea upto a point near Kapileswarapuram. This branch flows southwest and opens into Bay of Bengal at two places, namely Bhiravapalem and Kothapalem. The Gautami branch of Godavari is also connected to Pandi backwaters by a channel known as Pedderu, which starts at Kothapalem, Balusutippa area and enters Pandi back water system. Two stations were selected for collection of data. Hydrographical data were collected for one year from July 2006 to 2007 and the data on distribution of phytoplankton was studied in three seasons during 2006-2007. Hydrographical features of the two stations showed that lower values were recorded during October to February months, while higher values were reported from the month of March to September. A total 57 species of phytoplankton were identified from the two study sites of the Pandi backwaters Composition of phytoplankton varied seasonally in relation to salinity fluctuations and showed that two peak periods, one in June-July and another in between December and March. Present study indicates that diatoms are the dominant group followed by the Chlorophyceae and others. This study will aid the baseline data for aqua-culturists in nearby regions.
Highlights
Estuaries offer a unique environment for the substenace of aquatic organisms
There is no much variation in hydrographical characteristics of two study sites of the Pandi backwaters system
The present study reveals that diatoms are the dominant group followed by the Chlorophyceae and other in the Pandi backwaters of the Gautami Godavari estuary
Summary
Estuaries offer a unique environment for the substenace of aquatic organisms. Various authors have studied the ecological, biological and physiological studies on estuarine algae and seagrasses of Gautami Godavari estuary (Narasimha Rao and Umamaheswara Rao, 1991; Narasimha Rao, 1995; Narasimha Rao et al, 2000; Narasimha Rao et al, 2008; Narasimha Rao and Subba Rangaiah, 2008a, 2008b). In the present study monthly data was collected on environmental and hydrographical characteristics of the Pandi backwaters along with abundance and seasonal distribution of phytoplankton in this region. Seasonal studies on distribution of phytoplankton will helpful for obtaining the information on fishery resources of the particular area. Water samples for phytoplankton studies were collected from two stations. At each station two liters water sample were collected and immedi-
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