Studies on the seasonal changes of phosphorus in the marine environments off Cochin

• Published in: Environment international Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 159 - 164
• Main Authors: Ashraf P, Muhamed, Edwin, Leela, Meenakumari, B.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Environmental Monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Geochemistry; Geologic Sediments - analysis; India; Marine; Marine and continental quaternary; Marine sediments; P dynamics; Phosphate fractions; Phosphorus - analysis; Physical and chemical properties of sea water; Physics of the oceans; Seasonal variation; Seasons; Seawater; Soil and rock geochemistry; Surficial geology; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Arabian Sea; India; India, Kerala, Ernakulam Dist., Narakkal; ISW, India, Kerala, Ernakulam Dist., Cochin; India, Kerala, Ernakulam Dist., Cochin; ISW, India, Kerala, Ernakulam Dist., Narakkal; Marine sediments; P dynamics; Seasonal variation; Phosphate fractions; sea water; Indian Ocean; geochemical cycle; modern; hydrochemistry; marine environment; Asia; phosphates; seasonal variations; marine sediments; phosphorus
• ISSN: 0160-4120; 1873-6750
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2005.08.006

Studies were conducted to evaluate the changes of phosphorus in marine water and sediments of seven stations in the coastal areas off Cochin. Samples were collected on a monthly basis from January 2001 to December 2001. Results revealed higher levels of P in marine water samples collected during October–December 2001. The marine water P ranged from 0 to 0.38 ppm throughout the year. Speciation of P in marine sediment revealed that the Al bound P was maximum compared to Fe, Ca and organic bound P. Loosely bound and aluminium bound P was maximum during October–December especially in 10 and 20 m depth stations off Narakkal. Fe bound P was found to be least in June and September and highest during January–April. Low levels of Ca bound P were detected in samples collected during January–March and inorganic P was maximum in June and September. Organic bound P was maximum in 10 m depth stations and also during June and September. Phosphate fractions varied with locations and exhibited seasonal fluctuations.