GIS based spatial distribution of environmental parameters at selected locations along the coastline of the country

Abstract

Present study presents the spatial distribution of chemical elements, such as, dissolved oxygen and nitrate at Ennore and Puri using the data collected under the COMAPS programme to elucidate the extent of spatial variation of chemical elements seasonally. Transect based spatial data of these parameters collected at 0, 2 and 5 km distance in the sea was interpolated using the spatial analyst module of GIS and the interpolated area was ranged from 97-917 sq km. Data revealed the extent of spatial distribution of low oxygenated water in Ennore and Puri. From the spatial data collected at Chilika, it could be found that nitrate concentrations in the range of 0.01-2 µmol/l provided substantial Chlorophyll concentration of more than 4 mg/m³. Similar result was obtained for coastal waters of Ennore. Further, increase of nitrate levels did not lead to higher productivity. This implies that the nitrate uptake saturation levels could happen even at 2 µmol/l. From the results obtained, the spatial data has been found to be useful in determining zones of safe use of seawater and to understand the extent of relationship between the relatable parameters.