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Monsoon-induced changes in the size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass and production rate in the estuarine and coastal waters of southwest coast of India

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Abstract

Changes in the autotrophic pico- (0.2–2 μm), nano- (2–20 μm), and microplankton (>20 μm) biomass (chlorophyll a) and primary production were measured in the estuarine and coastal waters off Cochin, southwest coast of India during the onset and establishment of a monsoon. During this period, the estuary was dominated by nutrient-rich freshwater, whereas the coastal waters were characterized with higher salinity values (>30 psu) and less nutrients. The average surface chlorophyll a concentrations and primary production rates were higher in the estuary (average 13.7 mg m − 3 and 432 mgC m − 3 day − 1) as compared to the coastal waters (5.3 mg m − 3 and 224 mgC m − 3 day − 1). The nanoplankton community formed the major fraction of chlorophyll a and primary production, both in the estuary (average 85 ± SD 8.3% and 81.2 ± SD 3.2%) and the coastal waters (average 73.2 ± SD 17.2% and 81.9 ± 15.7%). Nanoplankton had the maximum photosynthetic efficiency in the coastal waters (average 4.8 ± SD 3.9 mgC mgChl a m − 3 h − 1), whereas in the estuary, the microplankton had higher photosynthetic efficiency (average 7.4 ± 7 mgC mgChl a m − 3 h − 1). The heavy cloud cover and increased water column turbidity not only limit the growth of large-sized phytoplankton in the Cochin estuary and coastal waters but also support the proliferation of nanoplankton community during the monsoon season, even though large variation in nanoplankton chlorophyll a and production exists between these two areas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi-18, Kerala, India

    N. V. Madhu, R. Jyothibabu & K. K. Balachandran

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  1. N. V. Madhu
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  2. R. Jyothibabu
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  3. K. K. Balachandran
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Correspondence to N. V. Madhu.

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Madhu, N.V., Jyothibabu, R. & Balachandran, K.K. Monsoon-induced changes in the size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass and production rate in the estuarine and coastal waters of southwest coast of India. Environ Monit Assess 166, 521–528 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1020-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1020-8

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