Organic carbon content of zooplankton from the nearshore waters of Bombay

Abstract

Organic carbon content of zooplankton in the Versova Creek and Thana Creek (polluted areas), off Versova and off Mahim, Bombay, India (relatively unpolluted areas) varied respectively from 21.4-30, 13.2-38.4, 21.6-30 and 25.8-39.6% dry weight. The carbon content of zooplankton was dependent on the constituent organisms and hence high biomass was not always associated with concomitant increase in organic carbon content. The polluted areas were characterised by wide fluctuation in the rate of secondary production with maximum during premonsoon period. The relatively unpolluted areas showed comparable rate of production, limited variations and peak production during the postmonsoon period.