The distribution and abundance of diatoms along the South
west coast of India in relation to the hydrological parameters was
studied by selecting three stations namely, Thalassery, Cochin and
V izhinj am. The present study has been carried out with a view to
study the diatoms of selected areas along the south west coast of
India in relation to the hydrographic factors. Qualitative and
quantitative studies were made along the nearshore and inshore
areas following the standard procedures. Regression analysis was
also conducted to study the various factors contributing the growth
of diatoms along the near shore and inshore areas of the three
selected stations. It was found that the hydrological parameters
showed fluctuation from season to season and within season.
Diatoms along the nearshore areas showed abundance and
dominance during the monsoon season followed by the post
monsoon season, while that along the inshore areas are having the
highest dominance and abundance during post monsoon followed
by monsoon season. The regression analysis indicates that the
diatom population was contributed by different factors at different
stations indicating that they are all independent.
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