Fate and source distribution of organic constituents in a river-dominated tropical estuary

We investigated spatial and temporal changes in the quality of sedimentary organic matter and trophic status of the Cochin estuarine system, southwest coast of India. Sediment samples were collected in five sampling campaigns from January 2009 to April 2010. TOC/N ratio implied mixed input of autoch...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Earth System Science 2015-08, Vol.124 (6), p.1265-1279
Main Authors: SALAS, P M, SUJATHA, C H, RATHEESH KUMAR, C S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Allochthonous deposits
Biogeochemistry
Brackish
Brackishwater environment
Carbohydrates
Carbon 13
Chlorophyll
Chlorophylls
Constituents
Correlation analysis
Debris
Distribution
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Estuaries
Estuarine dynamics
Eutrophic rivers
Eutrophication
Fishing
Fishing zones
Lipids
Organic carbon
Organic constituents
Organic matter
Pigments
Plant debris
Proteins
Rivers
Sediment
Sediment samplers
Sediment samples
Sediments
Sewage
Space Exploration and Astronautics
Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics
Temporal variations
Total organic carbon
Tourism
Trophic levels
Trophic status
Trophic structure
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Summary:We investigated spatial and temporal changes in the quality of sedimentary organic matter and trophic status of the Cochin estuarine system, southwest coast of India. Sediment samples were collected in five sampling campaigns from January 2009 to April 2010. TOC/N ratio implied mixed input of autochthonous as well as remarkable allochthonous terrestrial higher plant debris into the sedimentary system. More depleted δ 13 C values at riverine and industrial zone suggested a major contribution of terrestrial higher plant debris to sedimentary organic matter. Trophic status of the estuary changed seasonally to eutrophic via oligotrophic and mesotrophic conditions during the period January 2009 to April 2010. The protein to carbohydrate ratio was lower (1) denoted preservation of lipid compounds in the sediments. Correlation analyses provide evidence of the association of chlorophyll pigments with carbohydrates and account for the highly productive nature of the estuary and algal contributions to organic matter. Canonical correspondence analysis clearly illustrated prominence of phaeopigments in fishing zone, lipids in sewage/tourism influenced zone, carbohydrates in riverine zone and proteins in industrial zone. It also indicated the influence of sedimentary texture, pH and organic carbon to the distribution of biochemical constituents.
ISSN:0253-4126
0973-774X
DOI:10.1007/s12040-015-0598-1