Dissolved organic nutrients in the Pichavaram mangrove waters of east coast of India

Abstract

Spatial and temporal analytical measurements of organic nutrients were made in the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem (south east coast of India) to understand the dissolved organic nutrient dynamics. Monthly measurements of physical parameters and dissolved organic nutrients were made at several locations at daytime during low tides. High concentrations of DOC and DON were found in monsoon and DOP in summer. The distribution and dynamics of dissolved organic matter have been regulated by the monsoonal fresh water discharge from the adjacent sources. However, the microbial mineralization induced by summer temperature regulates the nutrient biogeochemical processes and also control the biological productivity. In general, the mangrove ecosystem supplies considerable loads of nutrients to the oceans than the river systems and regulate the global nutrient biogeochemical cycles.