Studies on the hydro-chemistry of muthupet estuary south east coast of India

The seasonal variations of hydro-chemical parameters were studied during July 2011 to June 2012 in the Muthupet estuary (Lat.10° 46' N; Long.79° 51’E) south east coast of India. The rainfall ranged between 4.8 and 350 mm. The atmospheric and water temperature ranged from 28.8°C to 35.6°C and 25.4°C to 31.5°C respectively. The pH ranged between 7.1 and 8.2. Salinity fluctuated between 8.7‰ and 34.2‰. The dissolved oxygen was ranged from 3.5 to 7.2 ml/l. The nutrients such as total phosphorus, nitrate and silicate ranged from 0.29 to 1.95 µg/l, 1.27 to 4.45 µg/l and 28.25 to 98.74 µg/l respectively. The dissolved oxygen and nutrients were found to be low in summer and high during monsoon season. Similarly temperature, pH and salinity were low during monsoon and high during summer season.