Chandramohanakumar, N; Renjith, K R(Taylor & Francis, August 9, 2007)
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Abstract:
Geochemical characteristics of surficial sediments in the Panangad region of Cochin estuary, the largest
brackish-water humid ecosystem in the south-west coast of India, were analysed. Temporal variations
in nutrient stoichiometry, seasonal characteristics of redox elements Fe and S, and the phosphorus geochemistry
were employed for the purpose. The stoichiometric analysis pointed towards autochthonous
origin of organic matter, possibility of nitrogen limitation, and allochthonous modification of redox
conditions. Seasonal variations were not statistically significant for all the geochemical parameters,
whereas significant spatial variations were observed with lower values at sandy stations, suggesting
that the texture of the sediments is the main factor influencing the sediment geochemistry. Significant
inter-relations between the geochemical parameters also suggest a common control mechanism. Based
on these geochemical characteristics, the study region can be effectively categorized into two distinct
zones, viz. (1) erosion and transportation and (2) deposition zones
Description:
Chemistry and Ecology
Vol. 23, No. 4, August 2007, 337–345