SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE PHYSICO�CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS AT KUSHALNAGAR BEACH, KASARAGOD, KERALA

Shini Krishnan; Tharavathy N. C.

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2016

SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE PHYSICO�CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS AT KUSHALNAGAR BEACH, KASARAGOD, KERALA

Shini Krishnan, Tharavathy N. C.

Abstract :

Physico–chemical properties of the marine environment play an important role in determining the type of ecosystem. The analyses of the physico–chemical factors of the waters at Kushalnagar beach, Kasaragod, Kerala was carried out for a period of two years from June, 2012 to May, 2014. The variation in temperature, salinity, pH, and conductivity were high during the pre–monsoon period, whereas, dissolved oxygen was at minimum. Nutrients such as nitrate, nitrite, inorganic phosphate, and reactive silica were high during monsoon, while, sulphate levels were at a minimum. The results of the present study revealed that the physico–chemical parameters of Kushalnagar beach were significantly influenced by the freshwater influx during the south–west monsoon