Variations in fish assemblage with reference to fluctuations in physiochemical parameters in Chettuva Estuary, Thrissur, Kerala (original) (raw)

Estuary is an ecosystem in dynamic state which exerts so many stresses on living organisms. This study aims to compare the physiochemical parameters and fish diversity of the Chettuva estuary in the post monsoon months of four years. Fishes were collected from fishermen. Taste and odour, temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, dissolved oxygen and CO2 were tested. In diversity study about 68 species of fishes belonging to 45 genera were identified. Number of fish species seems to increase by the month of January in all studies because of increase in salinity allowing the entry of more marine fish to this region. The present comparison of four years data reveals that there is notable increase in temperature, decrease in dissolved oxygen and increase in CO2 content. These changes are all indicators of pollution leading to the deterioration of the water quality parameters which can adversely affect the life sustained by it.