Abstract
Physico-chemical parameters of freshwater are most important factor for diversity and density of phytoplankton community. Hence, the present study was intended to evaluate the seasonal variation on physico-chemical parameters such as rainfall, temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and their relationship with phytoplankton community of Muthupet estuary. The seasonal variation of nutrients like nitrate, phosphate and silicate was recorded to determine the utilization of nutrients by phytoplanktons in aquatic environment. The results exposed that physico-chemical parameters showed significant difference among the seasons. The nutrient dynamic of Muthupet estuary exhibits considerable seasonal variation due to the rainfall and nutrient utilization of autotrophs. There are totally 14 species of phytoplankton under three different groups namely Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae and Cyanophyceae was recorded. The highest phytoplankton density was recorded during summer season (18541.67b ± 3934.52/m3), while lower in monsoon seasons. The statistical analysis of physico-chemical parameters showed significant variation among seasons and the diversity indices of phytoplankton were high during post monsoon for both Simpson and Shannon indices and also on Evenness. The correlation analysis exposed that physico-chemical parameters and nutrients are effective dynamics to control the seasonal variations on phytoplankton diversity. Therefore, the present study reveals that Muthupet estuary has rich in phytoplankton community due to presence of high nutrient content and consisting of appropriate environmental factors.
Highlights
Wetlands are major ecosystem on earth; especially coastal wetlands play a significant role as a transition of water body between the land and the sea
The wetland contains divergent hydrology escort by flood pulse encourage changes in biodiversity, especially plankton communities, nutrients are diluted in high water and concentrated in low water [3]
Southeast coast of India has broader coastline known as Bay of Bengal, connecting with various major rivers and richer in marine fauna and flora [7]
Summary
Wetlands are major ecosystem on earth; especially coastal wetlands play a significant role as a transition of water body between the land and the sea. The wetlands are distinctive due to hydrology and ecotones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems [1, 2]. The wetland contains divergent hydrology escort by flood pulse encourage changes in biodiversity, especially plankton communities, nutrients are diluted in high water and concentrated in low water [3]. The water level was increased and reduces the environmental heterogeneity through submerging of aquatic habitats and connectivity was maximized [4]. After draw away of flood, various water bodies gradually improve their characteristic properties, increasing uniqueness, habitat and biotic communities [5]. Southeast coast of India has broader coastline known as Bay of Bengal, connecting with various major rivers and richer in marine fauna and flora [7]
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