Vitamin B12 concentrations in Mandovi and Zuari estuaries

Abstract

Bioassay method using Cyclotella nana (clone 13) was employed for the estimation of Vitamin B12 in Mandovi and Zuari estuaries. At the mouth of the Mandovi estuary, B12 concentration varied between 0.38 and 7.0 ng/l in surface water and between 0.12 and 0.49 ng/l in bottom samples. Near the head of the estuary, the variation in B12 concentration was from nil to 2.47 ng/l. Relatively lower concentration was observed (0.20 to 1.06 ng/l) at the head of this estuary. Various probable factors that influence the concentration of vitamin B12 are discussed