Y. ANJANEYULU AND R.J. KRUPA DAM
Abstract
The Salinity structure, seasonal pattern of temperature, pH, DO profiles and distribution of nutrients of the Kakinada Bay were investigated. The pH of all the Bay samples decreased progressively in pre-monsoon due to low primary productivity. During monsoon season all the samples showed low pH values which may be due to the fresh water influx and decomposition of organic matter carried by flood waters. The oxygen concentration closely related to biological activity and hence to seasonal changes in pH and it bears on inverse relation with salinity structure. Phosphate showed very low concentrations in the low salinity region; however, its concentration increased slightly towards the higher salinity regions. The creek sampling stations showed high nutrient levels because of mangrove litter fall and tidal action for partial mixing of sea water with the influx of freshwater from river. concentrations of phosphate and nitrate showed a negative correlation with salinity. Salinity, temperature nutrients like nitrates, phosphates and silicate were found to have lower values at surface and higher values at the bottom, while TSIVI and POC exhibited a reverse trend. Land run - off coupled with biological and abiological processes have a consi derable bearing on the distribution pattern of these nutrients in the Kakinada Bay.