Spatial distribution of organic geochemical record in the core sediments along the prominent zones of Central Kerala,India |
| |
| Authors: | P A Shibini Mol Arsha Krishnan K Deepak P P Sruthy Mol B R Priyanka |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Chemical Oceanography, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerela, India;2. Department of Chemistry, Al-Ameen College, Aluva, Kerela, India;3. Department of Chemistry, Maharajas College, Kochi, Kerela, India |
| |
| Abstract: | The study investigated the origin, quality, composition, and trophic state of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) in core samples collected from three zones (Munambam, Vypin, Chettuva) of Central Kerala, India. The SOM exhibited enhanced levels for carbohydrate (CHO) followed by protein (PRT) and lipid (LPD); and phytopigment in the sediment followed the trend: Pheophytin (Pheo) > Carotenoid (carotend) > Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) > Chlorophyll-b (Chl-b) > Chlorophyll-c (Chl-c). The low PRT: CHO ratio indicated a large amount of nonliving or aged organic matter in the sedimentary environment. Whereas the low Chl-a: Pheo ratio interprets the abundance of dead plant materials in the sediments. Correlation matrix showed strong association between organic matter and clay fraction of sediment. Furthermore, the strong interrelationships between biochemical components and chloropigments in all the zones suggested that SOM is strictly connected to phytodetritus deposition. Vypin zone near Vallarpadam Container Terminal revealed the presence of high biopolymeric carbon content. Besides, the PRT: CHO > 1 reflected the eutrophic condition at the same site but the low PRT: CHO ratio in the remaining stations displays the oligotrophic nature. |
| |
| Keywords: | Sediment organic matter biochemical component phytopigment Central Kerala trophic condition |
|
|
