Seasonal distribution of organic matter in mangrove environment of Goa

Abstract

Water and sediments were studied for the distribution of suspended matter, organic carbon and nitrogen. Suspended matter ranged from 3-373 mg.l^-1 while particulate organic carbon (POC) from 0.03-9.94 mg.l^-1. POC value showed significant correlation with suspended matter. Particulate organic nitrogen (PON) values, however fluctuated in the range of 0.01-3.4 mg.l^-1. Organic carbon in the sediments (SOC) varied from 1.7-54 mg.g^-1 with an average value of 45.6 mg.g^-1 organic matter. The values of total nitrogen in the sediments (STN) ranged from 0.3-19.3 mg.l^-1. The data indicate that there is marked spatial and temporal variations in the distribution of organic matter in the mangrove environment. The mangroves and its associated biota contribute major portion of organic matter in the mangrove environment.