Comparative studies on physico-chemical variations of two major mangrove wetlands in East coast of Tamilnadu, India

For the present investigation, two study areas were identified as Pichavaram in Cuddalore district and Muthupet in Thiruvarur district of Tamilnadu, India. The physico-chemical variation studies of two mangrove wetlands were conducted, encompassing physical and chemical aspects. Ecological study includes the study of both abiotic and biotic components of mangrove ecosystem. Abiotic components include mainly water and soil which support the mangroves. Water quality analysis involved both physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameter is mainly temperature of water. Chemical parameters assayed are pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological oxygen demand (BOD) and mineral composition like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. Soil analysis comprises physical parameters like moisture content of the soil. Chemical parameters studied are pH, EC, salinity, organic carbon and minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. All the studies were conducted in three seasons - monsoon, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon.