THE SEASONAL OSCILLATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICALPARAMETERS AND PHYTOPLANKTON DISTRIBUTION FROMSOUTH WEST COAST OF INDIA (BHARATHAPUZHA RIVER BASIN)Seena K.K., Ignatius Antony and Anto P.V.Abstract This work aimed to determine the limnological status of the Bharathapuzha river basin using thephysico-chemical and biological parameters (phytoplankton) throughout the period from November 2018to October 2019. A total of 168 species were identified, belonging to five different classes, Bacillariophyceae,Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. The most dominant classes obtainedfrom the study area are Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae. The present study revealedthat species distribution depends upon the physico-chemical parameters and attained their maximum densityduring pre-monsoon, whereas minimum populations were observed during monsoon. The diversity profilewas higher during pre-monsoon and lower in monsoon season. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealedthat temperature, nitrate, silicate, and DO have a more significant influence on phytoplankton abundance. |