Abstract:
Present study focused on the evaluation of spatial and temporal variation in different bio-physicochemical parameters at ten different locations inside port harbour by applying statistical and multivariate approaches. Various physico-chemical parameters along with chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton, total viable and coliform bacteria were analysed for the harbour water throughout the year. Seasonal changes responsible for temporal variations were observed during monsoon, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Noticeable spatial variation was found due to port's ongoing activities mainly at Iron ore handling berth, South Quay, East Quay, ADB-Coal berth, General cargo berth and Fertiliser berth. From the cluster and correlation analysis, greater inter dependency are found among the variables like phytoplankton, chlorophyll-a, PO4, NO3, NH3, TSS, Cr, DO, BOD and pH.