Plankton Studies in the Estuarine and Nearshore Regions of Mandovi and Zuari

Abstract

Biological and chemical data collected for the preparation of a masterplan for pollution control in the rivers Mandovi and Zauri and the adjacent coastal area were processed to study the ecological conditions. Both phytoplankton and zooplankton populations were rich during monsoon as compared to the pre and postmonsoon with a negative correlation with salinity. N:P ratios were generally low and did not show much variation. Phytoplankton biomass in these areas was not limited by either phosphate or nitrate.