Studies on the environmental conditions of tidal ponds in the Ramanthuruth Island (Cochin)

Abstract

Environmental characteristics of certain enclosures and tidal ponds in Ramanthuruth Island, Kerala, India where prawns grow in abundance were studied. Various parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, Eh, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, chlorophyll 'a', particulate organic carbon, etc. were analysed from four different ponds in the island. These studies showed that the environment is subjected to seasonal variations due to the monsoons. It is observed that the ponds are highly productive during the whole year ( 70 ~kg/l Chlorophyll 'a') with a high amount of particulate organic matter. Since these ponds are tidal, there was no depletion of oxygen in the overlying water as a result of oxidation. The results indicate that these ponds are highly suited for the culture of prawns