Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION IN COASTAL WATERS OFF VERAVAL, GUJARAT COAST

Gunjan Motwani, Rahul Rajan, Mini Raman and Hitesh Soalnki

Abstract

Phytoplankton standing stock indexed as chlorophyll-a concentration plays important role in structuring aquatic ecosystems to defining climate at local to global scales. Understanding the mechanism of its modulation by local environmental variables in different environmental setups are necessary scientific pursuits. The coastal waters of Veraval are known for its commercial shipping operations and fisheries. A seasonal study examined the modulation of chlorophyll-a concentration in the high anthropogenic activity coastal aquatic system. It was found that chlorophyll-a abundance is highest during fall inter monsoon season and decreased with the seasonal succession. Furthermore, chlorophyll-a concentration was studied in relation to the ambient water temperature and relative light intensities; reveled strong temperature water dependence and explained about 95 percent of its variability. Results are discussed in greater details.