Analysis of Physico Chemical Properties in the Mangrove Ecosystem of Paravoor, Kollam District, Kerala, South India

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to assess the physicochemical characteristics in the mangrove ecosystem of Paravoor, Kollam district for a six month from March 2023 to August 2023. Surface water samples and sediments are collected from the chosen sampling stations at regular intervals and analyzed to provide a baseline of physico- chemical parameters for ongoing monitoring and comparison with future data to identify any changes or trends. The physicochemical parameters chosen to be observed in the study area are dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, salinity, sediment nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, silicate, and phosphate) and quantification of microplastics. The observed variation are; Dissolved oxygen in mg/l (3.7 – 5.2), water temperature in ℃ (28 ℃ – 34.8 ℃), PH (6.4 – 7.8), Salinity in ppt (15.48 – 48.31), Silicate in mg/L (0.59 – 6.37), Nitrate in mg/L (0.012 – 0.558), Nitrite in mg/L (0.001 – 0.066), Phosphate in mg/L (0.001 – 0.170).The study area shows significant high positive correlation between Dissolved oxygen, nitrite; Dissolved oxygen pH; Water temperature, pH; Nitrate, Phosphate. Number of microplastics varying from 32 to 47 particles/L. The study area contains elevated concentration of microplastics, they can affect the structure and functioning of the ecosystem.