Distribution of intertidal phytobenthos of polluted and comparatively unpolluted regions along Mumbai

Abstract

The dynamics of microphytobenthos may be influenced by water pollution which can be through anthropogenic discharges including domestic waste water and industrial effluents. The pollutants in overlying water settle at the intertidal area during ebb periods and affect the microphytobenthos. Thus, the comprehensive study on microphytobenthos in polluted environment like Versova is thought to give an idea of the pollutants affecting the dynamics of microphytobenthic flora. Microphytobenthos communities act as traps for contaminants or as bio indicator species in these polluted areas. The changes in microphytobenthic community structure, alteration in pigments corresponding to the increasing depth of the sediments, are the major theme of present study to answer many problems related microphytobenthic dynamics which are not well understood.