Species distribution in aquatic environment

Abstract

An intensive study of plankton from March-July 1973, when hydrographic conditions were relatively stable, was carried out in 3 different aquatic biotopes of Porto Novo. Maximum number of diatom species (34) was noted at backwaters station 3 and the minimum number (18) at mangrove station 1. However, diatoms were rich in estuary (station 7). Tintinnids (Protozoa: Ciliata) were rich in backwater. Maximum number of dinoflagellate species (9) was found in backwaters; estuarine stations ranked next (8 species). Total number of species (denoted as species diversity) found in a biotope was empirically related to variations in standard deviation of salinity, copper concentration of water, changes in percent age of chlorophyll a (in total chlorophyll) and to planktonic circulation. Maxim um daily increase of diatom population was in the estuary (station 7 = 1.85 x 10⁶cells/m³) and the minimum was in the mangrove (station 1 = 1.21 x 10³ cells/m³).