Phytoplankton diversity and primary production in Poonthura estuary, south Kerala

Seasonal variations in the phytoplankton density, diversity, gross production and related physicochemical parameters of Poonthura estuary have been followed for a period of one year. The polluted nature of the water body favored a higher density of phytoplankters, which exhibited a positive correlation with gross production. The influence of various physicochemical parameters, phytoplankton density and species diversity on gross production is discussed.