title: Studies on the seasonal changes of phosphorus in the marine environments off Cochin.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR), Matsyapuri PO, Cochin 682 029, Kerala, India. aakhila9@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Muhamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ashraf
authors.forename: Leela
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Edwin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meenakumari
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D007194:India; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010758:Phosphorus