Carbohydrates in the waters of ponds of Ramanthuruthu Island, Cochin

Abstract

Particulate and dissolved carbohydrates in 4 ponds of the Ramanthuruthu Island (9ᵒ 58.5'N lat. and 76ᵒ 15.4'E long.) were studied for 1 yr (1978-79). Particulate carbohydrate concentration varied from 0.2 to 2 mg/l. Dissolved carbohydrate showed high variability and the concentration varied from 0.2 to 11 mg/l. High concentration of particulate carbohydrate observed during monsoon months is believed to be due to high phytoplankton population and also to the large amount of organic matter brought into the estuary by the freshwater discharge. No definite relationship was observed between the chlorophyll a concentration and dissolved carbohydrate.