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| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-06-0459 |
| Title of Abstract | Species composition and biodiversity assessment of microphytobenthos in the intertidal mangrove ecosystem along the southwest coast of India |
| Authors | NIYA BENNY*, Dr. K. B PADMAKUMAR |
| Organisation | COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| Address | Nelkunnassery House, Chirakkakam, Varapuzha P. O, Ernakulam (Dist.), Pin 683517 Ernakulam, Kerala, India Pincode: 683517 Mobile: 9847229109 E-mail: niyabenny9109@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The microphytobenthos (MPB) found in well illuminated surface sediment are the major primary producer in the potentially productive benthic ecosystem. Spatio-temporal variation in the distribution of Microphytobenthos in a biodiversity-rich mangrove ecosystem is sparsely studied. To address this microphytobenthos in the intertidal mangrove ecosystem were investigated with monthly variations in the species composition. Biodiversity assessment of microphytobenthos from five selected mangrove ecosystems along the southwest coast of India was studied for a period of eleven months from December 2018 to October 2019.In the present study 110 species coming under 49 genera belonging to taxonomic classes Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae were examined. Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) was the best represented class followed by Cyanophyceae. The diatom genera found frequently during the study were Amphora spp., Navicula spp., Pleurosigma spp., Gyrosigma spp.,and Nitzschia spp. The presence of raphae and its capability to undergo vertical migration can be considered as the reason for its predominance during the study period. Microphytobenthos showed maximum diversity in Kollam with 94 species comes under 34 genera followed by Kannur with 81 species and least in Kochi with 78 species. The mangrove ecosystem along Kochi experienced anthropogenic influences and it has been shown that in a heavy eutrophication state in Kochi mangrove station leads to the explosive growth of Cyanophytes over benthic diatoms. The largest number of mangrove species occurs in Kollam (9 species) and least in Kochi (5 species). Hence the diversity of mangroves and microphytobenthos are positively correlated. Globally studies on microphytobenthos in mangrove ecosystems are limited when compared to its ecological and economic importance. |