Chemical characteristics of waters around Kavaratti Atoll (Laccadives)

23-26Chemical parameters, viz. salinity, pH, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, inorganic phosphate, total phosphorus, chlorophyll and particulate organic carbon, of the waters of the lagoon and the sea around Kavaratti island during the month of April were studied. All the chemical parameters with the exception of salinity, pH and alkalinity showed high degree of variability with location in the lagoon. Diurnal studies conducted at one station in the lagoon showed marked variation in the oxygen levels of the water whereas other chemical factors did not show significant changes. Much of the phosphorus present in the water was bound organically. Analysis of sediments for phosphorus showed very low values (0.04-0.06% as P2O5) suggesting the poor retention of phosphorus within the sediments. The role of benthic macrophytes in the recycling of nutrients within the lagoon has been indicated