Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Distribution of chlorophyll pigments in the Arabian Sea off Mangalore (west coast of India) in relation to nutrients

Volume 45 Issue 2

Chandrakant Lingadhal, T.R.C. Gupta and A. M. Ramesh

Abstract

The distribution pattern of chlorophyll a, b and c pigments in relation to nutrients off Ullal, Mangalore along the west coast of India is presented. The investigation revealed distinct spatial and temporal variations with respect to chlorophyll pigments. A bimodal pattern of distribution was observed with respect to chlorophyll a; whereas, chlorophyll b and c showed a unimodal pattern. Generally, higher chlorophyll values were recorded at 10% light depth compared to 100% and 1%. Lower values of chlorophyll a were recorded compared to chlorophyll b and c during the present study. A significant positive correlation was noticed between chlorophyll pigments (a, b and c). A significant positive correlation was also recorded between chlorophyll a pigments and nitrite and nitrate. Biomass of chlorophyll a decreased in the stations located away from the coast.

Date : 30-12-2003