PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ARASALAR ESTUARY KARAIKAL SOUTHEAST COAT OF INDIA

The seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters were studied during April 2010 to March 2011 in the Arasalar estuary (Lat. 79° 52' E Long. 10° 55’ N) Karaikal southeast coast of India. The rain fall ranged between 0.33 - 551.8. The atmospheric and water temperature ranged from 26.1°C to 34.3°C and 25.1°C to 31.8°C respectively. The pH ranged between 7.5 and 8.4. The DO was ranged from 2.8 to 5.3 ml/l. Salinity fluctuated between 20.5 32.1‰. The nutrients such as silicate, total phosphorus and nitrate ranged from 14.2 to 85.1 µg/l, 0.32 to 1.21 µg/l and 2.47 to 8.69 µg/l respectively. The DO and nutrients was found to be low in summer and high during monsoon season. Similarly temperature, pH and salinity were low during monsoon and high during summer season. Life Sciences