An Environmental Study On The Need For Rehabilitation And Restoration Of The Mangrove Ecosystem In Kannur Distict, Kerla

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem is unique in nature due to the combination of Halophytic plants, animals, birds and aquatic organisms.Physico-chemical parameters play an important role in structuring the fish species and other aquatic organisms in mangrove swamp, estuaries and coastal areas. The world's mangrove ecosystems are being threatened by many factors. These include a variety of anthropogenic activities, which entail urgent need of research and education programs to create awareness in the society for their protection and conservation. The present study was conducted over the selected three mangrove regions, namely Payangadi, Ramapuram and Edat in Kannur district. The objectives of the study was to investigate the seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, transparency, primary productivity, hardness, ammonia, carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand. Water samples were collected during the year 2021-2022 from the study area and the physico-chemical parameters were analyzed with respect to the seasons following standard methods. The study indicates that there is a pronounced variation of most of the water quality parameters with variations in season. In the present study, hardness is highest in site Ramapuram which is comparatively polluted areas, where human activities fishing, boating occurs. Ammonia is comparatively higher in site Edat. These parameters occurring in optimum level are needed for the survival of species and poor water quality can influence the species activities and patterns of behavior. The present study would be helpful in assessing the changes in water quality that might happen in long run due to port development, regular port activities, industries that are in operation in and around the port area, shrimp farming etc.