Algal species diversity as an index of pollution in Tuticorin marine waters

Abstract

Samples from five different stations located along the Tuticorin sea coast were studied for various physico-chemical and biological characteristics. The biological characteristics of the five stations are presented. Microalgae showed low species diversity at the four stations thereby indicating polluted conditions. Macroalgal analysis interestingly revealed the brown alga Padina sp. to be dominant at stations 1 and 2 while the red alga Jania sp. being dominant at the stations 3 and 4