Microbial characteristics of the Laccadive Sea (Lakshadweep)

Abstract

Total viable heterotrophic bacterial population of the Laccadive Sea, studied during the 31st cruise (March-April 1978) of <i>R V Gaveshani</i>, was moderate. Bacterial population varied significantly both with depth and station. The population density had 2 maxima, one at the surface and the other at 500 m depth. The flora showed a wide range of biochemical activity. The bacterial biomass of the Laccadive Sea, as estimated from the population data was 19.94 x 10¹⁷, equivalent to 3.998 x 10¹¹ <i>µ</i>g wet weight or 159.52 x 10⁸ <i>µ</i>g carbon. The annual cycle of bacterial carbon was 498.25 x 10¹⁰ <i>µ</i>g carbon.