Assessment of Hydrochemical Characters Variations in Relation to Phytoplankton during Pre-monsoon at J-point of Mahi Estuary, Gujarat, India

Variations of hydro-chemical characters were recorded at three sites of Mahi estuary, near J-point (Lat. 22o10.3′N and Long. 72o44.28′E) during the pre-monsoon period. The concentration of the nutrients was relatively high due to the elevated atmospheric temperature, evapo-transpiration of water, slow saline intrusion as well as low inflow of surface water from Mahi River. On the contrary, dissolved oxygen (DO) was at its minimum level during this investigated period. The trophic status of all the three study stations was determined in terms of DO, phosphate, nitrate and sulphate in relation to phytoplankton as key pollution indicators species like Navicula , Nitzchia , Oscillatoria , Scenedesmus , Syndra and others. The results revealed that all the three sites are organically polluted as per the Palmer’s species diversity indices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i2.9533 Our Nature 2013, 11(2): 85-95