Spatio-Temporal Variation in Physicochemical Parameters of Water in the Chilika Lagoon

Assessment of physicochemical parameters of Chilika lagoon water is of vital importance as it guides to monitor the pollution status and formulate a management plan. Mixing of water from river and sea with different nutrient levels makes an ideal condition of salinity and nutrient stoichiometry supporting a unique benthic and pelagic biodiversity including fishery. The hydrology of the lagoon undergoes a significant change during the switchover between seasons as well as years. The rainfall pattern influences the discharge with different nutrient concentration and stoichiometry which ultimately alters the lagoon biogeochemistry. Apart from these, the spatiotemporal variability is also controlled by the exchange of seawater through the lagoon mouth which undergoes drastic change over time with respect to the cross-sectional area and its position. Overall brackish nature of the lagoon was sustained in most of the lagoon throughout the year due to the adequate inflow of saline water from the sea and fresh water from major Rivers.