01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-06-0096 |
| Title of Abstract | Atmospheric dust deposition and its influence on phytoplankton composition and primary productivity in the eastern Arabian Sea coastal waters: An Experimental Study. |
| Authors | BHASKARA RAO DOKALA*, B. BIKRAM REDDY, B.S.K.KUMAR, G.V.M.Gupta |
| Organisation | Center for Marine Living Resources and Ecology |
| Address | Gutchimi Gutchimi, Seethanagaram,Manyam,AP, India Pincode: 535546 E-mail: bhaskard.au@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Microcosm experiments have been conducted along the west coast of India at six locations, namely Veraval (Gujrat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Goa (Goa), Mangalore (Karnataka), Kochi (Kerala), and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). This experimental study investigates the impact of atmospheric aerosol deposition on coastal phytoplankton dynamics, nutrient enrichment, pigment variability, and primary production along the west coast of India. Airmass back trajectory (AMBT) analysis revealed mixed marine-terrestrial origins of aerosols, with high concentrations of total suspended particulates (TSP), nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate varying across locations. Microcosm experiments demonstrated that aerosol additions significantly enhanced nitrate and phosphate concentrations by up to 99% and 94%, respectively, with a concurrent pH decrease of 0.088⿿0.205 units. These nutrient enrichments resulted in decreasing in phytoplankton composition and diversity, but an increasing in cell abundance, which stimulated phytoplankton blooms, particularly diatoms such as Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros sp., leading to elevated Chl-a biomass and other carotenoid pigment concentrations. Microscopic and pigment analyses confirmed a two-phase bloom succession, with microphytoplankton dominating early and picophytoplankton increasing in later stages. Ecological indicators showed diversity and dominance pattern shifts, with region-specific bloom and decay responses. Primary production increased by up to 160% post-aerosol enrichment, significantly correlating to nutrient uptake. Despite a pH decrease of up to 0.205 units, phytoplankton biomass, pigment content, and primary production were positively influenced, indicating a fertilization effect of atmospheric aerosols on coastal productivity. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Phytoplankton, Aerosol, Pigment, pH, Arabian Sea, Primary production |
| For Awards | no |