Indian Journal of Geo Marine Sciences Vol. 47 (12), December 2018, pp. 2429-2441

Diversity and composition of phytoplankton around Jaitapur coast, ,

Mayura Khot1, P. Sivaperumal1, Neeta Jadhav1, S.K. Chakraborty1, Anil Pawase2&A.K. Jaiswar1* 1ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Andheri (W), - 400061, India 2Colleges of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri - 415602, India

*[Email: [email protected]]

Received 07 April 2017; revised 02 June 2017

The average phytoplankton density was observed to be highest during post-monsoon at inshore as well as offshore stations. Overall phytoplankton was comprised of Bacillariophyceae (81.4%), Dinophyceae (12%), Chrysophyceae (3%), Cyanophyceae (1.8%), Desmophyceae (2.9%) and Chlorophyceae (3.9%). A total of 86 species of phytoplankton belonging to 56 genera and 6 classes were recorded from offshore and inshore stations. A massive bloom of cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum was also sighted during the winter season. Dinoflagellates showed a peak during monsoon at inshore stations. Maximum values of diversity indices were recorded during winter at offshore and during pre-monsoon at inshore stations.

[Keywords: Jaitapur, proposed nuclear power plant, phytoplankton, bloom, Trichodesmium erythraeum]

Introduction other power plants hasshown temperature as an Coastal NPP sites usually consuming seawater for important factor in increasing biomass, primary coolant system and discharge warm water into the sea, productivity and changes in species dominance of thereby raising the temperature of sea water1-3. phytoplankton around the vicinity of cooling water Generally,water temperature plays an important role outlet19,20.Outcomes from Kaiga nuclear power plant ininfluencing the survival rate, growth ability, and revealed negative impact of evaluated temperature on reproduction of aquatic organisms4,5. The primary plankton up to 500m from discharge point on Kadra producer in the aquatic ecosystem, phytoplankton reservoir16.In view of the role of phytoplankton in fish plays a major role in the aquatic environment and production, many investigators have studied support to the food web. About 95% of the primary different aspects of phytoplankton from Indian production is contributed mainly by phytoplankton6. waters21-25.However, some reports are available on These primary producers form the base of food webs phytoplankton studies from the west coast of that support marketable fisheries in marine Ratnagiri district prior to establishment26-29. In order environment7. to fulfill these requirements, investigations on the Long-term studies have been carried out on phytoplankton community structure and water quality plankton since the 1930s with numerous research prior to pre-installationare important to compare the projects continuing today8.The outcome of research status after the plant has been commenced. Hence, the showed that thermal loading influences micro algal present study is to create a baseline data of population by altering the composition of phytoplankton phytoplankton diversity & abundance from the coastal community & affecting the photosynthetic rate9-11. and offshore areas around the proposed nuclear power Studies on the effects of thermal discharge on plant site in Jaitapur. phytoplankton have been carried out by some authors2, 12-15.Studies on the impact of thermal Material & Methods discharges on phytoplankton revealed that chlorine Jaitapur is situated (160 34’ 38” N - 16036’ 29” N, was major stress factor rather than the elevated 730 19’ 02” E - 730 20’ 48” E) along the west coast of temperatures in declining phytoplankton standing Maharashtra. The site for Jaitapur Nuclear Power stock around MAPS of Kalpakkam and coastal waters Plant (JNPP) is situated in the area between Rajapur of Taiwan16-18. However, thermal discharge from creek and Vijaydurg creek, about 40 km south of 2430 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 12, DECEMBER 2018

Ratnagiri town. The nearest village to the site is CSW5km. Thus, sixteen stations falling under Madban. For the present study, the lighthouse at the Ratnagiri and were selected. Jaitapur NPP site was considered as the reference Water samples were collected during March 2012 point. Along the coast area, seven stations were to February 2014 during pre-monsoon (March-May), selected on the northwest and south-west from the monsoon (June-August), post-monsoon (September- reference point such as Ganeshgule (NSW30kms), November) and winter (December-February) from the Vetye (NSW15kms), Ambolgad (NSW10kms), fixed coastal as well as offshore stations around Vijaydurg (SSW5kms), Girye (SSW10kms), Jaitapur. Samples could not be collected from Padavane (SSW15kms) and Devgad (SSW30kms) offshore stations during monsoon season due to strong (fig. 1).For offshore areas, nine stations from the southwest monsoon winds. Water parameters such reference point to southwest, northwest and towards as pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature; center were selected viz. SSW1km, SSW3km, alkalinity, ammonia,and nutrients were estimated SSW5km for south-west, NSW1km, NSW3km, by following standard methods30-32. Phytoplankton NSW5km for north-west and CSW1km, CSW3km, samples were collected in two-litre capacity plastic bottles from the surface water and 1 ml of Lugol’s solution and 3-4 drops of formalin were added to it33. The sample was allowed for sedimentation of phytoplankton for 48 hrs and then the plankton settled at the bottom was concentrated to known volume (10ml), for further analysis. The taxa were identified up to possible taxonomic level34-37 using a compound microscope. For density, 1ml of the sample with proper mixing was counted using Sedgwick-Rafter cell and reported as a number of cells per unit volume30. Biodiversity indices such as Shannon Weiner diversity (H’), Margalef Richness (d) and Pielou’s Evenness (J’) were computed by using software Primer (Ver.6), developed by Plymouth laboratory U. K38. Cluster analysis was performed to discern similarities in plankton occurrence between sampling stations. Graphical representations like k-dominance curve, Bray Curtis similarity were figured based on the square root of transformed data.

Results Water temperature varied between 25.20C and 30.10C. The highest temperature (30.10C) was recorded in post-monsoon season at S SW5 station (fig. 2). Salinity ranged between 31.6%o and 35.6%o, and higher values were recorded in pre-monsoon season at S SW5 station (fig. 3). D.O varied from 5.7mgl-1 to 8.1mgl-1. The maximum value (8.1mgl-1) was recorded at S SW1 station during pre-monsoon and minimum (5.7mgl-1) at C SW3 station during the post-monsoon season (fig. 4). Higher dissolved oxygen with average 8.2mgl-1 was observed during the winter season (Feb 2013), might be due to bloom of Trichodesmium erythraeum. Total alkalinity varied -1 between 63.1- 89.1 mgl (fig. 5). The range of Fig. 1 — Study area nutrients such as nitrite, phosphate,and silicates was: KHOT et al.: PHYTOPLANKTON AROUND JAITAPUR COAST 2431

1.9-14.7 µmol/l, 0.4-0.9 µmol/l and 12.2- 46.3 µmol/l, respectively. Ammonia ranged between 0.4-1.6 µmol/l. Maximum nitrite concentrations were found during the post-monsoon season(C SW3km, C SW 5km)as compared to winter season (Dec-Feb). Ammonia and silicate concentrations were found to be maximum during the post-monsoon season (N SW5km, CSW1km,and S SW5km). As compared to the north side, the locations to the south from the reference point of Jaitapur resulted in high silicate

concentrations. Fig. 2 0 0 Water temperature ranged from 23.2 C to 30.5 C at inshore locations. The highest temperature (30.50C) was recorded in pre-monsoon at N SW10 station (fig. 6). Salinity varied between 15.0%o and 35.6%o. Minimum salinity was recorded in monsoon season at S SW5 and N SW10 stations due to the high influx of freshwater from estuaries (fig. 7). D.O varied from 5.0mgl-1to 8.7mgl-1. Maximum D.O was recorded in monsoon season at S SW15, N SW10and N SW30 station due to the influx of fresh water (fig. 8).

Minimum DO was recorded in post monsoon season Fig. 3 where the average abundance of Skeletonema costatumwas high. Total alkalinity varied between 50.0 and 91.8 mgl-1 (fig. 9). The range of nitrite, phosphate, silicate,and ammonia was found to be

Fig. 4

Fig. 6

Fig. 5

Fig. 2 — Temperature, 3: Salinity, 4: Dissolved Oxygen, 5: Alkalinity variations at offshore Fig. 7 2432 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 12, DECEMBER 2018

composition analysis revealed maximum contribution by Bacillariophyceae (81.1%) followed by Dinophyceae (13%), Desmophyceae (2.68%), Chrysophyceae (2.25%), and Cyanophyceae (0.9%). The percentage of diatoms showed a declining trend from post-monsoon (Sep-Nov) to winter period(Dec-Feb), whereas, the reverse was seen in the case of dinoflagellates (fig. 14-15). A massive bloom of blue-green algae Trichodesmium erythraeum (227100cells/l)was recorded at all stations during 2012-2013 in winter, except at station C SW1, Fig. 8 replacing Chaetoceros (31200 cells/litre), Pleurosigma

(16000cells/l), Bellerochea (14400cells/l) and Nitzschia (11200cells/l). Dominant and common genera, recorded during both the years, were species of Skeletonema, Nitzschia, Asterionella, Chaetoceros, Bellerochea, Navicula, Coscinodiscus, Rhizosolenia, Odontella, Thalassionema, Thalassiosira, Ceratium, Dinophysis, and Protoperidinium. Analysis of data with regards to season revealed maximum density in monsoon (284.3 cells/l) followed by pre-monsoon (172.2 cells/l) and post-monsoon (134.2 cells/l) (fig. 12) at Inshore locations. Average Fig. 9 phytoplankton density was higher in 2013-2014 Fig. 6 — Temperature, 7: Salinity, 8: Dissolved Oxygen, 9: Alkalinity (167.7cells/l) as compared to 2012-2013 (90.9cells/l). variations at inshore Maximum density was recorded at N SW30, S SW15 1.4-14.7 µmol/l, 0.4-0.8 µmol/l, 3.9- 32.1 µmol/l and and N SW10 km stations (fig. 13) possibly as the 0.5-3.4 µmol/l, respectively. Phosphate and nitrite result of a bloom of Skeletonema costatum, Nitzschia levels were high during post-monsoon season. spp, Chaetoceros spp, Bellerochea spp, and Maximum phosphate level was recorded at Ganeshgule Thalassionema spp. The occurrence of diatoms and (N SW30) and nitrite at Vetye (N SW15) and dinoflagellates was seen to be inversely related, Vijaydurg (S SW5). This was possibly due to the where the percentage of diatoms and dinoflagellates influx of agricultural fertilizer and organic wastes were found to increase and decrease alternatively receiving from the above locations. Maximum as in the case of offshore stations (fig. 16-17). ammonia was recorded at Padavne (S SW15) and Dinoflagellate percentage was maximum in monsoon Girye (S SW10). Maximum silicates were recorded in season (August 2013). post-monsoon (Girye) and in monsoon season During winter in 2012-2013 Bellorechea sp was (Ambolgad and Vetye) due to considerable river and recorded to be common at all stations with maximum land run off at these stations.A total of 86 species of (51,200 cells/l) densities at C SW5km station. phytoplankton belonging to 56 genera and 6 classes Skeletonema sp was completely absent at station were recorded from offshore as well as inshore S SW3kmwhich was replaced by Bellerochea stations (Table-I). (20,000cells/l) and Pleurosigma (10,400cells/l). Overall mean phytoplankton density was found to A minimum contribution of Nitzschia 2000cells/l be higher in post-monsoon (634.2 cells/l) followed by towards Northwest stations whereas maximum pre-monsoon (456.2 cells/l) and minimum in winter was 17,200cells/l towards Southwest and center (187.4 cells/l) (fig. 10) at offshore locations. Average of reference point. Diatom Bellorechea sp, phytoplankton density was 246.0 x 103 cells/l in 2012- dinoflagellates Ornithocercus sp, Pyrophacus sp,and 2013 and 606.0 x 103cells/lin 2013-2014. Maximum cyanobacteria T. erythraeum occurred only in winter density was recorded at N SW1 station in 2013-2014 season. A bloom of only Skeletonema sp (2,48,955 & C SW3 station in 2013-2014 (fig. 11). Group-wise cells/l) was observed at all stations in post monsoon KHOT et al.: PHYTOPLANKTON AROUND JAITAPUR COAST 2433

Table I — List of phytoplankton species recorded at offshore and inshore stations around Jaitapur Class Bacillariophyceae

1 Amphiprora alata 31 Hemidiscus cuneiformis 62 Tabellaria sp. 2 Amphora sp 32 Leptocylindrus danicus 63 Thalassionema frauenfeldii 3 Asterionellopsis glacialis 33 Licmophora abbreviate 64 Thalassiosira nitzschioides 4 Bacillaria paxillifera 34 Lioloma pacifiicum 65 T. gravida 5 Bacteriastrum hyalinum 35 Lithodesmium undulatum 66 T. baltica 6 B. delicatulum 36 Meuniera membranacea 67 Thalassiothrix longissima 7 Odontella aurita 37 Neodenticula seminae Class Dinophyceae 8 O. mobiliensis 38 Navicula derasa 68 Alexandrium sp. 9 O. sinensis 39 N. delicatula 69 Ceratium tripos 10 Bellerochea malleus 40 N. septentrionalis 70 C. furca 11 Chaetoceros decipiens 41 N. vanhoeffenii 71 C. fusus 12 C. gracilis 42 N. directa 72 Dinophysis caudata 13 C. coarctatus 43 Nitzschia seriata 73 D. miles 14 Corethron criophilum 44 N. longissima 74 D. hastate 15 Coscinodiscus radiatus 45 N. closterium 75 Ornithocercus magnificus 16 C. granii 46 Melosira sulcata 76 Peridinium sp. 17 C. excentricus 47 Planktoniella sol 77 Protoperidinium depressum 18 Climacodium frauenfeldianum 48 P. blanda 78 P. oceanicum 19 Cyclotella litoralis 49 Pleurosigma normanii 79 P. divergens 20 Diploneis sp. 50 Pleurosigma directum 80 Pyrophacus steinii 21 Ditylum sol 51 Rhizosolenia alata Class: Chlorophyceae 22 D.brightwellii 52 R. setigera 81 Pediastrum sp. 23 Eucampia zodiacus 53 R. styliformis Class: Desmophyceae 24 Fragillaria oceanica 54 R. imbricata 82 Prorocentrum gracile 25 Guinardia flaccida 55 R. stolterfothii 83 P. micans 26 G. striata 56 Skeletonema costatum Class: Chrysophyceae 27 Grammatophora sp. 57 Stephanopyxis palmeriana 84 Dityocha fibula 28 Gyrosigma sp. 58 Striatella unipunctata 85 Octactis octonaria 29 Hemiaulus hauckii 59 Streptotheca tamesis Class: Cyanophyceae 30 H. membranaceus 60 Surirella sp. 86 Trichodesmium erythraeum 61 Triceratium favus season. Hemiaulus sp was common at all stations whereas diatom Paralia and dinoflagellates Alexandrium occurred only in post monsoon season. In pre-monsoon season, Asterionella sp and Thalassiosira sp increased at center south-west stations from reference point compared to northwest and southwest stations, whereas, Coscinodiscus sp count was more at S SW3 and S SW5 stations. Dinoflagellates were represented by Protoperidinium

(1.4%), Ceratium (0.8%), Dinophysis (0.7%), Fig. 10 — Seasonal variation of phytoplankton density at offshore Alexandrium (0.5%), Ornithocercus (0.4%) Pyrophacus (0.4%) and Peridinium (0.1%). During 2013-2014, maximum densities were reported at N SW1 station for post-monsoon (1456.5cells/l) and pre-monsoon (1396.2cells/l) season, where species of Chaetoceros, Thalassionema, Thalassiosira, Nitzschia, Odontella, Rhizosolenia, Ceratium, Protoperidinium and S. costatumwere dominant.

The Shannon and Weiner diversity index (H’) was found to be in the range of 1.757 to 2.982 at offshore Fig. 11 — Spatial variation of phytoplankton density at offshore 2434 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 12, DECEMBER 2018

Fig. 12 — Seasonal variation of phytoplankton density at inshore

Fig. 16 — Percentage composition of different phytoplankton groups at inshore (2012-2013)

Fig. 13 — Spatial variation of phytoplanktondensity at inshore

Fig. 17 — Percentage composition of different phytoplankton groups at inshore (2013-2014)

Fig. 14 — Percentage composition of different phytoplankton groups at offshore (2012-2013)

Fig. 18 — Seasonal diversity at Offshore

stations and 1.223 to 2.988 at inshore stations. During 2012-2013, maximum diversity was recorded during the winter season at C SW3 station (H’=2.982) & C SW1 (H’=2.839) station and in pre-monsoon at N SW1 station (H’=2.834) (fig. 18) for inshore at Vijaydurg (S SW5) station. During 2013-2014, maximum diversity was recorded in pre-monsoon

Fig. 15 — Percentage composition of different phytoplankton period at S SW5 (H’=2.838), S SW1 (H’=2.833) & N groups at offshore (2013-2014) SW3 (H’=2.809) stations, whereas, in post monsoon KHOT et al.: PHYTOPLANKTON AROUND JAITAPUR COAST 2435

at S SW1 (H’=2.86) and N SW1 (H’=2.80) stations Nitzschia sp,andNavicula sp were common (fig. 24). for inshore at Devgad (S SW30) station (fig. 19). The At inshore, stations N SW15 and N SW30 showed maximum value of Margalef richness index was maximum similarity (81.5%) during post-monsoon found during Feb2013 for both offshore and inshore (fig. 26). During 2013-2014, C SW5 and N SW3 at N SW5km, N SW10 and S SW15km station showed more 85.1% similarity in post monsoon (fig. 20-21). The maximum value of Evenness index period at offshore (fig. 25), whereas for inshore was found (N SW3km, N SW30, N SW10 station) stations S SW15 and S SW30 indicated 84.1% during post-monsoon and winter season (fig. 22-23). similarity in post-monsoon (fig. 27). K-dominance During 2012-2013, cluster analysis, based on plot showed the presence of a maximum number of offshore phytoplankton, showed more similarity genera at C SW3 km and N SW5 km station at (84.34%) between S SW1 and C SW5 stations during offshore (fig. 28-29) and N SW30 km, S SW10 and pre-monsoon where Skeletonema sp, Chaetoceros sp, N SW10 km at inshore stations (fig. 30-31) for both years.

Fig. 19 — Seasonal diversity at Inshore Fig. 22 — Evenness at Offshor

Fig. 20 — Richness at Offshore Fig. 23 — Evenness at Inshore

Fig. 21 — Richness at Inshore Fig. 24 — Similarity at Offshore (2012-2013) 2436 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 12, DECEMBER 2018

Fig. 25 — Similarity at Offshore (2013-2014) Fig. 29 — K-dominance at Offshore (2013-2014)

Fig. 30 — K-dominance at Inshore (2012-2013) Fig. 26 — Similarity at Inshore (2012-2013)

Fig. 31 — K-dominance at Inshore (2013-2014)

Pearson’s Correlation matrix was computed based Fig. 27 — Similarity at Inshore (2013-2014) on biological and physicochemical parameters. For inshore, phosphate was positively correlated with cell abundance (p= 0.036); a number of genera were negatively correlated with NH4 (p=0.037), Richness (p= 0.040) and diversity (p= 0.035) was negatively correlated with DO. For offshore, Evenness (p= 0.033) and diversity (p= .038) were negatively correlated with NH4 (Table-II).

Discussion During the present study, diatoms were found to dominate the phytoplankton community at offshore

and as well as inshore stations during pre and post Fig. 28 — K-dominance at Offshore (2012-2013) monsoon seasons. Along with diatoms, the percentage KHOT et al.: PHYTOPLANKTON AROUND JAITAPUR COAST 2437

56, 57 Table II — Correlation matrix between phytoplankton and monsoon, influences the fauna of intertidal zone . physicochemical parameters Results of the present study were also influenced by

Inshore PO4-P NH4 DO salinity at selected intertidal locations during Phytoplanton 0.7852 monsoon season. population .036* Nutrients are considered as the most important S (no of genera) -0.7832 parameters influencing the growth of phytoplankton. .037* South west monsoon brings upwelled water with high D (Richness) -0.777 nutrients in the coastal waters along with the river .040* run-off during monsoon that has triggered the growth H'(loge) -0.7882 of phytoplankton during monsoon and post- .035* monsoonseason. The highest values of nitrite, Offshore phosphate in post monsoon season may be attributed J' (Evenness) -0.7063 .033* to rainfall, river land runoff from agricultural fields, H'(loge) weathering of rocks, and liberation of soluble organic -0.6950 47 .038* wastes, poured into coastal waters . Intertidal *p value is significant at 0.05 level locations such as Vijaydurg (S SW5), Ambolgad (N SW10), Ganeshgule (N SW30) and Vetye (N SW15) of dinoflagellates showed a peak in a monsoon at showed an increase in nutrient values during monsoon inshore39. The abundance (average all seasons) of and post-monsoon may be due to aforementioned diatoms for both offshore and inshore were (81.6%) factors. and (81.2%), respectively. The dominance of diatoms Commonly recorded diatoms species are during pre and post monsoon has also been reported Skeletonema, Chaetoceros, Nitzschia, Navicula, and 42,43 earlier in the studies from coastal waters of the west Coscinodiscus . The genera encountered in the coast of India24,26,40-43. However, diatoms were found present study (Table-3) were previously reported in 58 to be a dominant group which could be due to the fact the checklist for diatoms of Indian Ocean and 21, 23 that diatoms are able to tolerate the wide changes in records from the west coast of India . During hydrographical conditions44-47, 49,50,51. The average cell winter, the other predominant diatoms such as count (102.9x103cells/l) was minimum at offshore Skeletonema sp, Chaetoceros sp,andNitzschia sp did during pre-monsoon season has also been reported 42. not sustain many populations due to bloom of 59 Along the south-west coast of India, upwelling Trichodesmium sp . starts with the onset of summer monsoon (May-June) The discharge of domestic and agricultural wastes and extends up to September52-54. In case of ultimately reaches the sea bythe river. During the upwelling, the phytoplankton belonging to the class monsoon season (August), the quantum of discharge Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) flourish during intense increases along with fresh water which lasts till the upwelling conditions, which is replaced by class end of September. Many species tolerant to these Dinophyceae (dinoflagellates) during the relaxation conditions flourish this time. Reason for a high count period in the more or less stratified water column39,40. of indicator species may be a due discharge of In the present study, similar observations were domestic and agricultural wastes creating nutrient noted,where density of diatoms increased in May enrichment60-63 which result in a decrease in (84.3%) and decreased in Nov (83.3%), Feb (76.6%), diversity and increase in biomass, promoting some whereas, the opposite trend was seen in the case of opportunistic algal species to dominate64-65. The Dinoflagellates (May-10.5%, Nov-10.8%, Feb- dominance of any species in the polluted water may 14.7%) at offshore stations. The occurrence of be considered as indicator species66. A similar Chaetoceros spp is considered to be a characteristic of increase in phytoplankton density was recorded eutrophic coastal upwelled waters55.During the (S SW5 & N SW10) during May 2012, (N SW30, N present study also Chaetoceros spp were recorded to SW15, N SW10) Nov 2012, and (S SW5 & S SW15) be abundant during pre and post monsoon season at during Feb 2013, where Skeletonema, Chaetoceros, selected sites. The salinity acts as limiting factor in Asterionella, Nitzschia, Navicula, Bellerochea spp the distribution of flora and fauna, and changes in dominated the community. Skeletonema was found to salinity of estuaries and backwaters, due to the be common in the plankton of coastal and marine 2438 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 12, DECEMBER 2018

habitats throughout the tropical and temperate regions community are distributed. Information on the species during entire the year, in the Arabian Sea as well as diversity, richness, evenness and dominance the Bay of Bengal. The occurrence of Skeletonema sp evaluation based on the biological components of the has been previously reported as an indicator of ecosystems are essential to understanding detrimental eutrophication67. Skeletonema sp blooms have been changes in the environment or deterioration of water reported earlier along the west coast of India44,68-76. quality. Shannon–Wiener diversity index was found Similar blooms were observed during post-monsoon to be a suitable indicator for water quality90. at all offshore stations and inshore stations (N SW30, Shannon–Wiener diversity index is widely used as N SW15,and N SW10). pollution index in diatom communities by putting Seasonal variations of temperature, salinity and forward the following scale of 0–1 for high pollution, dissolved oxygen in the marine environment have a 1–2 for moderate pollution, 2–3 for slight pollution, 91 great role in the distribution and abundance of and 3–4 for incipient pollution . Diversity index of plankton23-24. Present study at offshore and inshore phytoplankton community was correlated in some 92 stations showed a temperature range of 25.20C to the cases with the degree of pollution in Taipei, Taiwan . 30.50Cand salinity of 31.6‰ to 35.6‰. During In general, the authors established that the value of Trichodesmium sp bloom high values of dissolved diversity index of a community in less polluted waters oxygen (7.7–8.9mgl-1) were reported at offshore would be higher. According to pollution index, the stations77-79. These high D.O values during algal diversity values for inshore stations fall between 1-2 bloom could be due to the release of oxygen in more and 2-3 indicating moderate and slight pollution quantity. In addition, high D.O values (6.1-9.3 mgl-1) where small estuaries might be receiving organic were also observed in post monsoon season due to wastes reaching to nearby stations. The diversity Skeletonema sp bloom at offshore stations. The values (H'=1.757) and evenness (J’= 0.6487) showed frequent appearance of phytoplankton blooms in the minimum values at offshore (N5) which occurred due 79,93-94 marine environment has been reported from several to bloom forming Cyanophytes . The pre- parts of the world. Blooming of phytoplankton monsoon period at offshore supported the lowest particularly Trichodesmium sp (cyanobacteria) phytoplankton abundance but highest values of generally occurs during February to May in the Margalef species richness (d) and Shannon-Wiener coastal waters adjoining India 59, 80-84.In the present diversity index (H’), whereas, for inshore, Margalef 76 study, the bloom of Trichodesmium sp was observed species richness (d) was highest . Considering the in the form of greenish yellow-brown patches during diversity indices, it can be concluded that the inshore Feb 2013 with an average count of 2,27,100 and offshore areas around Jaitapur sustained healthy filaments/l. Generally, cyanobacteria require optimum phytoplankton population community during all temperature in the range of 25-350C for growth85; the seasons. observed temperature range (26.10C – 27.30C) was found to be favorable for the bloom. Thus, Conclusion temperature has been considered as the most Diatoms were found to be the dominant group in important factor contributing to cyanobacterial pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. During dominance86-87. Low phytoplankton growth during upwelling conditions (pre-monsoon) the diatoms monsoon season at inshore stations could probably be flourished which indicated an inverse relationship due to low temperature. Similarly, salinity value of with dinoflagellates abundance at offshore stations. 32‰ or more is known to support the growth Similarly, dinoflagellates peak was acquired during and abundance of Trichodesmium sp. as this monsoon and post-monsoon at inshore stations. A cyanobacterium is a stenohaline form with optimum bloom of T. erythreum (cyanobacteria), a growth at >33‰ and can’t survive in low characteristic feature of Arabian Sea, was also salinities80,88-89. So the salinity range observed in the observed during winter. From above observations, present study were 31.6‰ to 35.6 ‰ which are genus Skeletonemaand Chaetoceros can be considered favorable for the growth of Trichodesmium sp. to be indicator species for anthropogenic activity. Species diversity is a measure of community Commonly occurring genera of phytoplankton structure and most important parameter to understand recorded were Skeletonema, Nitzschia, Asterionella, the health status of the ecosystem. Diversity index Chaetoceros, Bellerochea, Navicula, Coscinodiscus, also gives information of how the individuals in a Rhizosolenia, Odontella, Thalassionema, Thalassiosira, KHOT et al.: PHYTOPLANKTON AROUND JAITAPUR COAST 2439

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