01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-03-0250 |
| Title of Abstract | Ecosystem Trophic States vis-à-vis Algal Community Structure in a Tropical Estuary |
| Authors | Baisakhi Pattnaik*, Suchismita Srichandan, Susmita Raulo, Sanjiba K. Baliarsingh, Chandan L. Parida, Biraja K. Sahu, Aneesh A. Lotliker, Rajdeep Roy, Kamal K. Barik |
| Organisation | Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar |
| Address | PG Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University Berhampur, Odisha, India Pincode: 760007 E-mail: baisakhi.pattnaik.02@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | This study investigates the influence of tidal and diurnal variations on phytoplankton community structure and trophic status in the Mahanadi estuary, which connects to the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India. Recognising phytoplankton as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, this study assessed their spatial and temporal dynamics in relation to environmental parameters such as salinity, nutrients, suspended matter, and chlorophyll-a. Field surveys were conducted during high and low tides at estuarine and freshwater stations with distinct salinity regimes. A total of 44 and 77 phytoplankton species were recorded at the upstream (E1) and downstream (E2) stations, respectively, with Bacillariophyta being the dominant group across all conditions. Diversity indices indicated subtle variations between tides and diurnal cycles, with species richness generally higher during high tides and daytime. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed phytoplankton groups responded distinctly to hydro-biological variables such as suspended matter, Salinity, Total Nitrate (TN), and Total Phosphate (TP). Trophic State Index (TSI) values indicated mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions, driven by nutrient enrichment likely from anthropogenic sources. The presence of organic pollutant indicators (bloom-forming and harmful algal species) like Pseudonitzschia pungens, Nitzschia sp., Cyclotella sp., Anabaena sp., Scenedesmus sp., Ankistrodesmus sp., Oscillatoria sp., Merismopedia sp. and Microcystis aeruginosa, underscores the ecological stress in the system. Overall, the study highlights strong tidal-diurnal coupling in shaping phytoplankton assemblages and establishes the utility of integrated biological and physicochemical indicators for assessing estuarine water quality. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Mahanadi Estuary, Trophic State Index, Estuarine Ecology, Tidal Influence, Bay of Bengal |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 09-04-1999 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0155 |