Abstract
Distribution of sedimentary organic matter was undertaken in Cochin estuary, the second largest wetland ecosystem in India. Surface sediment samples were collected from twenty-seven stations during 2016 constituting the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The sediment samples were analysed for labile fractions of biochemical constituents such as carbohydrates (CHO), proteins (PRT) and lipids (LPD). Irrespective of the sampling periods, proteins (71%, 38%) constitute the major labile fraction, followed by carbohydrate (23%, 36%) and finally lipids (5%, 24). The application of biochemical index using PRT:CHO ratio revealed the presence of freshly deposited as well as the presence of aged organic matter in the estuary. The LPD:CHO ratio revealed low nutritional quality of sedimentary organic matter during the pre-monsoon and enhanced quality in post-monsoon. The trophic state classification based on biopolymeric carbon (BPC), PRT and CHO values unveils the fact that estuarine sediment nature varied between mesotrophic, eutrophic and meso-oligotrophic status. Low BPC:TOC ratios were observed pointing less availability of food to benthic source, and the organic matter present was mainly refractory in nature.
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