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Terra Firma Env. Con. Pvt. Ltd. Chapter – IIIBaseline Environmental Conditions

CHAPTER – III

Baseline Environmental Conditions

3.1 Land Environment :

3.1.1 Background :Syngenta India Ltd., Santa Monica Works, is located at village Corlim about

15km from Panaji along Panaji-Belgaum NH4A. It is at an elevation of 28m

above MSL & has 81 Ha of plain terrain land (200 Acres). The site is in land

classified as industrial zone. The manufacturing activity is spread over

approximately 24 Ha (60 acres) of land. There is a housing colony for Senior

Managers located within the complex at distance of about 500m from the

manufacturing area.

On the East of the site, there is a chemical manufacturing plant of Ciba

Speciality Chemicals Limited adjacent to this factory and village Dhulapi lies

beyond it.

To the West is some open land with residential colonies and Corlim Industrial

Zone beyond it. This industrial estate houses small scale units manufacturing

furniture, plastic molded items, stationary items etc.

Cumbarzua Canal is adjacent to North boundary and has a small island

(Cumbarzua) opposite Syngenta site. National Highway (NH 4A) from Panaji to

Karnataka is to South and village Ilhas / Karmali beyond it.

Arabian Sea is about 20 kms away to the west of site. There are no National

Parks or any reserve forests within 7 km periphery of the site. Dr. Salim Ali Bird

Sanctuary encompasses an area of 1.78 sq.km & is located at Chorrao islands

about 7.5 km to the North West. Kundeim Hills are 3 km away on east of the

site. Old Goa Church is a notified archaeological monument 3 km to west of the

site.

The Kundeim Industrial Estate 3 km away on the east is situated on Kundeim

Hills and Corlim Industrial Estate 1 km away is on the north west of the site.

Karmali Station on Konkan Railway is 2 km away on south west of the site.

There are paddy fields, mango trees, cashew nut plantations, coconut

REIA Studies 54 Syngenta India Ltd., Santa Monica Works, Goa.


plantations mainly to east, north and south of the site within 10 km periphery.

3.1.2 Study Area :

Study area for REIA is restricted to about 10 km radius from site as per

Guidelines of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India. Plate I presents

map showing geographical / topographical features within the study area.

Syngenta is located adjacent to Cumbharzua Canal. Cumbharzua canal is an

important water way connecting Zuari and Mandovi rivers. It is about 15 km long

forming the eastern boundary of the largest island in Goa that is delimited by

Mandovi in the north, Zuari in the South and Arabian Sea in the East.

Cumbharzua canal and Zuari confluence in the southern most boundary of the

present study area. The Northern extent of the study area is the rocky plateau

North of Mayem lake. The Western boundary extends almost up to NH4A Panaji

and Agassaim between Mandovi and Zuari Rivers. Mapusa river, north of

Mandovi forms the North-West boundary. The eastern boundary goes little

beyond Usgao-Bicholim road in the east. Mandovi forms the lifeline of this area

with several big and small riverine islands such as Chorao, Diwar, Cumbarzua,

Jua (St. Esteevem area) etc. forming part of this system.

3.1.3 Land Use Pattern

Land use pattern for the study area was ascertained from Topo Sheet (Plate I) & from Satelllite Imagery Photograph in the form of False Colour Composite

(LISS III) presented in Plate II. The topo sheet and the LISS III image shows

several distinct features in study area. Important land forms are cultivated fields

which are generally barren in the summer, mud flats often inundated with water,

Khazan lands (reclaimed areas for paddy cultivation), lakes, mangroves,

hillocks covered with vegetation (scrubs, dense scrubs, mixed jungles with

cashew), settlements and mines. The hillocks form undulating terrain with a

maximum altitude of 374 m occurring at Kundeim hills. Some of the important

water bodies seen are the lakes at Karmali and Pilar and the water reservoir at

Syngenta (within the industry premises).

Varied topographical features influence the land use pattern in the study area.



Physiography of the study area can be broadly divided into drainage, undulating

rocky hillocks and plains. These three major features show different land use

patterns. The drainage is predominantly by Mandovi river along with its

tributaries, Cumbharzua canal and Zuari river.

Hillocks : Undulating rocky hillocks are spread throughout the study area. At

places, these hillocks also have plateaus as in the case of Kadamba plateau,

Kundaim plateau, Chimbel-Bambolim plateau etc. Most of these plateaus are

earmarked for various purposes such as Military establishment in Chimbel-

Bambolim area, Industrial estate in Kundaim area and real estate on Kadamba

plateau. The Usgao-Bicholim belt is predominantly hard rocky belt. These rocky

areas are either sparsely vegetated (with shrubs) or show occasional cashew

plantation. Extensive mining is seen in this belt.

The hillocks and rocky area east of Cumbharzua canal and west of Mandovi is a

thickly vegetated area though strictly not falling in the realm of natural

vegetation due to plantation of Cashew & Pineapple (on hillocks) & Coconut &

Arecaunt (within valleys) within these vegetation areas. Most of the vegetation

seen here is along hill slopes. Similar hillocks are seen North of Mandovi along

the Mayem belt, but the proportion of cashew to the natural vegetation is high.

However, in few areas, the hard rocks are mostly covered with shrubs and

cashew is hardly seen. Another major area of vegetation is slopes of Kadamba

plateau, Chimbel, Kurka, Santan and the area between Neura and Old Goa.

Cashew is grown in this area, though elements of natural vegetation are seen to

dominate here. Small hillocks with similar features could be seen in Chorao too.

Plains : Vast fields that are mostly cultivated during monsoons are seen in

Chorao, between Chorao and Mayem, Divar, Near Merces, St. Esteevem,

Cumbharzua, between Cumbharzua canal and the road that connects Pilar and

Old Goa. In continuation with these fields are the areas that are flooded during

high tide that form either mud flats or inhabited by stunted mangroves mainly

Avicennia, Sonneratia, Acanthus or Cyperaceae members. Khazan lands, are

lands inundated by water during high tides but paddy is cultivated by managing



the water. Such Khazaan lands are common in the study area. Apart from

these, pure mangrove strands are also seen in smaller or bigger patches along

the river banks or river islands as in Chorao, Divar etc. The settlements are

either occupying large areas as in the case of Goa Velha to Agassaim or they

are in a linear passion along the foot hills as in Santan or the area between

Banastari and Kundaim. The inter-mingling of each of these land uses makes it

difficult to estimate the area accurately for each land use pattern. The land use

estimate for the study area is as follows:

Table 3.1

Land Use Pattern Sr. No.

Land use / feature Extent (%)

1 Vegetation (excluding mangroves and that in settlements)

36

2 Fields (including Khazans lands) 12

3 Mud-flats including Mangroves 17

4 Settlements 9

5 Industrial area 2

6 Drainage 6

7 Mining 4

8 Hard rocks (vegetation or with scant vegetation) 7

9 Water Bodies 7

3.1.4 Geology & Soil Cover :

Generally lateritic soil is seen in the study area. The area on the foothills has

higher soil cover & hence shows human settlements. The soil is highly fertile &

used for agriculture purposes & commercial plantation Table 3.2 presents soil

quality in villages surrounding the manufacturing site.



Table 3.2

Soil Analysis Report

Parameter Unit Soil samples Paddy Fields at Village

Physico Chemical Cumbharzua Dhulapi Karmali Corlim

pH of 20 % Solution -- 4.17 5.13 4.25 5.73

Conductivity mhos 330.00 2400.00 370.00 32.00

Moisture % 16.00 14.96 13.38 10.21

Water Holding Capacity % 80.40 58.94 54.47 50.38

Particle size

Clay % 50.098 9.06 8.76 30.43

Silt % 16.92 14.10 13.95 28.33

Fine Sand % 16.83 26.51 37.97 20.23

Coarse Sand % 15.27 50.33 39.32 21.01

Textural class -- Sandy clay loam Clay loam Sandy loam Sandy loam

Total Organic Carbon % 3.75 3.30 3.75 2.70

Available Phosphorous % 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 0.002

Chlorides % 0.03 0.28 0.02 0.02

Sulphates % 0.05 0.13 0.03 0.006

Nitrogen % 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01

From the Table it can be seen that Soils are generally acidic, of sandy loam

type & have moderate nutrient value. The soil has high water holding capacity.



3.1.5 Hazardous Waste Disposal :

The solid / hazardous waste identified as per Hazardous Waste Rules, 2003 &

requiring land disposal include :

ETP Neutralisation Sludge

Lava from Incinerator

Ash from Solid Waste Incinerator

Calcium Phosphate Sludge

Analysis of the wastes (Table 2.7 / 2.8 /2.9) indicates that the waste do not

have any hazardous constituents exceeding criteria set under Schedule 2 of

the HW Rules, 2003. Comparison with CPCB Waste Disposal Criteria

indicates that the wastes are suitable for direct landfill (without pre-treatment).

As per previous practice, the wastes were tested to confirm their non-

hazardous nature & then disposed off in abandoned quarry under intimation to

GSPCB. Presently, the waste is being stored on-site in concrete lined pits.

3.1.5.1 Impacts Due to On-site Storage :

It was observed that ETP Neutralisation sludges & lava/ash are stored on-site

in concrete lined pits. Non-hazardous wastes like Boiler soot / ETP biomass

etc are stored separately in designated pits. To assess whether any soil

contamination has occurred due to Hazardous Waste Storage (within site), soil

samples were collected near the storage area & analysed for heavy metal /

pesticide content. Results of analysis are presented in Table 3.3.



Table 3.3Analysis of soil sample near Hazardous Waste Storage Site within the

manufacturing Plant

From the values it is seen that no contamination has occurred in the soil near

Hazardous Waste storage area.

3.1.5.2 Assessment of Previous Disposal Area :

In order to assess, whether previous disposal has led to any soil / water

contamination, following studies were carried out :

Sub-surface geological studies

Assessment of Water Environment Features

Assessment of Soil / Water Quality

Analysis of various wastes disposed off at the quarry has been presented in

Table 2.7, Table 2.8 & Table 2.9 of Chapter 2.0, which indicates their non-

hazardous nature.

3.1.5.3 Sub-Surface Geological Studies :

a) Physiography:

The area is located south of Usgaon as marked on the location map (Fig. 3.1)

& is denoted as stony waste on the map. The ground rises to the southern

face of the quarry. The quarry area is bordered on the north by a watercourse

which has a deep cut channel. This watercourse joins the major water course

situated immediately on the western side of the quarry. Thus, the quarry area

is bounded by two watercourses respectively on the north and western side.

The western watercourse is perennial, and the northern smaller one is

seasonal having small stagnant water pools during summer.


Parameter Unit Soil Sample Near HW Storage Site with in premisesPhysico Chemical

pH of 20 % Solution -- 6.44

Total Organic Carbon % 2.70

Available Phosphorous % 0.002

Nitrogen % 0.02

Chlorides % 0.02

Sulphates % 0.03

Metals

Zinc as Zn ppm BDL

Nickel as Ni ppm BDL

Cadmium as Cd ppm BDL

Chromium as Cr ppm 0.01

Lead as Pb ppm BDL

Pesticides

Pretilacholor ppm BDL

Thiamethoxam ppm BDL

MCP ppm BDL

Phospomidon ppm BDL

DDVP ppm BDL

Profenophos ppm BDL

Cuman ppm BDL


b) Geology :

The surface is covered by extensively developed laterite masking the lower

rock units. The laterite is young in age. Rocks occurring below the laterite

profile belong to the Bicholi Group of the Dharwar Super Group, which

constitute phyllites, granite gneiss, hornblend gneiss, quartize, etc. In this

area, mainly phyllites, weathered phyllites and phyllitic clays are seen

depending on the weathering profile.

c) Findings of ERT study:

The ERT studies revealed that subsurface lithology in the quarry area is highly

heterogeneous. The surface is covered extensively by laterite, young in age.

This is followed by rocks belonging to Bicholim group or Dharwar Super Group

comprising phyllites, weathered phyllites & phyllitic clays. Resistivity studies

have also revealed hard compact and fractured rocks underlying the phyllites.

However, the second layer below the duricrust is of low resistivity and during

monsoon months, a phreatic zone develops in this layer. The deep seated

aquifer will be recharged during every monsoon from the phreatic zone. The

studies also show that the, subsurface water will move in the direction of

northern water course which is located at much lower elevation than the

quarry area. The resistivity data do not indicate ground gradient directly

towards the major water course on the west. The lateritic clays fall in the

category of silt of intermediate compressibility having porosity about 40% and

permeability of 10-6 to 10-8 cm/sec. The clays have specific retention of about

15% and specific yield around 25% by volume.

3.1.5.4 Impact of Hazardous Waste Disposal on Soil Quality / Water Environment :

a) Soil Quality : In order to ascertain the impact of Hazardous Waste

disposal on soil quality in the area, soil samples were collected at two

locations in immediate vicinity. The results of analysis are presented in

Table 3.4.



b) Impact on Water Quality : There are no wells within 1 km of the quarry.

The nallah to the north had flow of water. Samples of nallah water were

collected to test for contaminants (heavy metals & pesticides). Results of

analysis are presented in Table 3.5

Table 3.5Nallah Water Quality – near HW Disposal Site

Parameter Nallah Water Method of analysisUp stream Down Stream

Physico chemicalColour < 5.00 < 5.00Odour None NoneTurbidity 9.69 4.48


Table 3.4

Analysis of soil sample near HW Disposal Site

Parameter UnitSample 1 Sample II

Physico Chemical

pH of 20 % Solution -- 6.71 6.31

Total Organic Carbon % 3.10 2.70

Available Phosphorous % 0.034 0.031

Chlorides % 0.56 0.61

Sulphates % 0.92 0.71MetalsZinc as Zn ppm BDL 0.1Nickel as Ni ppm BDL BDLCadmium as Cd ppm BDL BDLChromium as Cr ppm BDL BDLLead as Pb ppm BDL BDLPesticides

Preilachlor ppm BDL BDLThiamethoxam ppm BDL BDLMCP ppm BDL BDLPhosphomidon ppm BDL BDLDDVP ppm BDL BDLProfenophos ppm BDL BDLCuman ppm BDL BDL


IS 3025Part 1 ~ 40 as Applicable to

Respective Parameter

APHAStandard Methods

pH 5.85 5.80Total hardness (as CaCO3) 14.00 12.00Calcium as Ca++ 0.64 7.12Magnesium as Mg++ 3.03 5.24Dissolved Solids 43.00 32.00Suspended Solids 6.5 14Total Iron 0.22 0.38Manganese as Mn 0.18 0.53Nitrate as NO3 3.20 7.14Sulphate as SO4 8.07 3.49Chlorides 8.30 10.91Bromides 0.005 0.006Fluorides BDL BDLPhosphates 7.8 2.4Alkalinity 6.00 4.00Dissolved Oxygen 5.8 6.2PesticidesPretilachlor BDL BDLThiamethoxam BDL BDLProfenophos BDL BDLZiram BDL BDLC.O.D 1.96 2.1B.O.D. (3 days at 27oC) 0.9 1.61Zinc Nil NilBDL : Below Detection Limit

As can be seen, the nallah water does not show any signs of contamination.

3.2 Air Environment :

3.2.1 Reconnaissance Survey :

Syngenta India Ltd is located at village Corlim in Tiswadi Taluka, North Goa

District. The facility for manufacture of Crop Protection Chemicals, Drugs &

range of speciality chemicals was started by Hindustan Ciba Geigy in the early

1960’s. The Agrochemicals manufacturing facility (manufacturing both

technical grade pesticides & formulation) is now operated by Syngenta (I) Ltd.

Ciba Specialities Ltd, a spin-off from the old manufacturing activity has its

manufacturing plant (for manufacture of speciality chemicals) adjacent to East



boundary of Syngenta.

Reconnaissance survey for air environment shows that the area has very few

industries having air polluting potential. The nearest industrial estate is Corlim

located to the west about 1 km away from Syngenta. It has about half a dozen

units manufacturing stationery items (Fabre Castle), plastic moulding units & a

lone pharmaceutical formulation unit (VICCO Laboratories). The Kundeim

industrial estate is located to the west on Kundeim plateau at an elevation of

about 110 m above sea level. This has a wide variety of units manufacturing

pharmaceutical formulations, engineering goods. Nine plants having induction

melting furnaces & one rolling mill are the main units with highest air pollution

potential. The NH4A carrying passenger & goods traffic from Panaji to

Belgaum virtually bi-sects the study area into half. It has a peak traffic density

of about 1000 PCU’s per hour.

3.2.2 Ambient Air Monitoring Survey :A look at air emission sources from Syngenta indicate that major air pollution

sources are those connected to fuel burning viz. boiler, thermic fluid heater &

incinerators. Two process vents (connected to scrubbers in Profenofos /

Thiamethoxam plants) are also seen.

Based on the reconnaissance study & nature of manufacturing activities

carried out at Syngenta, SPM, RPM, SO2, NOX, CO were identified as

primary air pollutants.

A screening air dispersion modeling study was carried out which indicated that

the air pollution impact from existing facilities are marginal & the maximum

impact zone lies within 3-4 km of the site. After studying MoEF Guidelines for

locating AAQM stations, 12 sampling locations were selected in/around the

factory. The station details of the monitoring stations are presented in Table 3.6 & the station locations are shown in Plate IV.



Table 3.6

Air Quality Monitoring Stations - Location Details

Sr. No.

Location Direction and distance with respect to Syngenta

Remarks

1 Tivarem Village Towards East at a distance of about 3 km.

Village situated at a foothills of Kundaim hillock.

2 Navelim (Diwar Island) At a distance of about 5 km from Syngenta towards NW

Village Activity

3 Marcel (Near College) At a distance of about 4 Km. toward North.

Traffic from Ponda & Panjim toward Amona, Sanquelim, Bicholim passes through Marcel.

4 Cumbharzua (near football ground)

At a distance of about 1~1.5 Km towards north

Village activity

5 Karmali village At a distance of about 3.5 km. towards SW

Village activity

6 Juvem At a distance of about 7 Km towards north

Village activity (control station)

7 Banastarim (Near Banstarim old bridge)

At a distance of 1.5 Km. towards East

Traffic from Ponda & Panjim toward Amona, Sanquelim, Bicholim passes through Banastrim.

8 Dulape (Nr. Suprasad Bar)

At a distance of 0.75~1.0 Km towards east

Situated on (Panaji – Ponda) highway. Heavy vehicular traffic observed.

9 Ilhas (Near Samson Industry)

At a distance of 1.0 Km towards south.

Village activity

10 Syngenta Hsg Colony Within factory premises

11 Corlim (Nr. Lakshdeep Plastic)

At a distance of 0.5~1.0 Km towards west

Industrial Estate

12 Old Goa (near Grampanchayat office)

At a distance of about 3 km. toward west.

Situated on (Panaji – Ponda) highway. Heavy vehicular traffic observed.

The samples were analysed as per Standard Methods prescribed by ISI / APHA

& results of analysis are presented in Tables 3.7 to 3.10.



Table 3.7

Statistical Analysis of AAQM Data – SPM ( 24 hourly average value )

24 hourly values Summer 2005

Sr.No. Location

Suspended Particulate Matter (μg/m3)Maximum Minimum Average 98 Percentile

Residential – Rural & Other Areas1 Tivre 130.09 51.59 104.88 126.49

2 Navelim 92.13 37.37 74.48 88.06

3 Marcel 121.26 46.43 72.68 115.79

4 Cumbharzua 123.35 47.24 71.85 121.24

5 Karmali 138.96 52.66 109.95 134.13

6 Juvem 83.99 21.16 48.61 80.97

7 Banastrim 144.71 61.80 120.61 140.76

8 Dulape 158.69 66.91 123.24 152.31

9 Ilhas 143.46 59.24 102.29 140.27

10 Old Goa 104.9 62.10 79.14 93.33

Industrial11 Syngenta 156.91 53.47 107.63 149.16

12 Corlim 147.37 61.58 108.24 141.29

NAAQ Standard for SPM (24 hourly Average value)

Area/Land use Standard (μg/m3)

Industrial Area 500Residential, Rural & other Area 200



Table 3.8

Statistical Analysis of AAQM Data – RPM (24 hourly average value )


Sr.No. Location

Respirable Particulate Matter (μg/m3)Maximum Minimum Average 98 Percentile

Residential – Rural & Other Areas1 Tivre 76.17 23.45 59.47 69.24

2 Navelim 50.62 29.47 50.24 46.45

3 Marcel 67.26 21.45 45.45 65.24

4 Cumbharzua 69.47 28.12 42.12 68.21

5 Karmali 71.45 24.78 52.24 70.29

6 Juvem 47.27 14.17 22.26 46.87

7 Banastrim 74.65 31.45 59.21 72.49

8 Dulape 87.64 35.99 69.42 81.45

9 Ilhas 74.7 32.54 61.24 71.54

10 Old Goa 67.2 30.45 54.12 64.32

Industrial11 Syngenta 84.17 26.46 57.45 83.42

12 Corlim 72.45 27.45 57.45 69.57

NAAQ Standard for RPM (24 hourly Average value)





Table 3.9

Statistical Analysis of AAQM Data – SO2 ( 24 hourly average value )


Sr.No. Location

Sulphur Di Oxide (μg/m3)Maximum Minimum Average 98 Percentile

Residential - Rural & Other Areas1 Tivre 8.93 BDL 6.21 8.66

2 Navelim 5.91 BDL 3.91 5.24

3 Marcel 9.32 BDL 6.09 8.81

4 Cumbharzua 9.73 BDL 7.09 9.17

5 Karmali 10.15 BDL 7.54 9.50

6 Juvem 5.57 BDL 3.45 5.02

7 Banastrim 10.21 BDL 5.71 9.82

8 Dulape 8.21 BDL 5.78 7.59

9 Ilhas 9.97 BDL 6.54 8.92

10 Old Goa 9.21 BDL 5.48 9.09

Industrial11 Syngenta 10.25 BDL 7.61 8.59

12 Corlim 9.13 BDL 6.69 8.89 BDL : Below Detection Limit

NAAQ Standard for SO2 (24 hourly Average value)





Table 3.10

Statistical Analysis of AAQM Data - NOx ( 24 hourly average value )


Sr.No. Location

Oxides of Nitrogen (μg/m3)Maximum Minimum Average 98 Percentile

Residential - Rural & Other Areas1 Tivre 11.06 BDL 7.36 10.87

2 Navelim 6.55 BDL 4.62 6.26

3 Marcel 10.74 BDL 6.53 8.88

4 Cumbharzua 10.40 BDL 7.1 9.69

5 Karmali 12.97 BDL 7.51 12.42

6 Juvem 7.25 BDL 4.66 7.10

7 Banastrim 15.65 BDL 9.73 14.06

8 Dulape 13.17 BDL 8.98 12.51

9 Ilhas 14.96 BDL 10.1 14.21

10 Old Goa 12.56 BDL 6.61 12.03

Industrial11 Syngenta 13.93 BDL 6.21 13.03

12 Corlim 12.77 BDL 6.57 12.11 BDL : Below Detection Limit

NAAQ Standard for NOx (24 hourly Average value)





3.2.3 Findings of AAQM Survey :

Results of AAQM survey indicates that the air quality in respect of primary air

pollutants viz. SPM / RPM / SO2 / NOx & CO meets the standards presented for

Residential areas at all the Monitoring sites. The stations at Juvem & Navelim

can be looked upon as background Air quality stations as these stations are far

removed from the other areas.

Levels of Sulfur di oxide & Nitrogen Oxides are seen to be much lower than the

norms set under NAAQS.

Carbon monoxide levels are very low (mostly below detection limits) with some

stray readings observed at stations near NH4A.

3.2.4 Micrometeorology :

The Company has a micro-meteorological station located within premises to

monitor wind speed, wind direction temperature, humidity and rainfall. The most

dominant topographical features which affects the micro-meteorology of the

area is the presence of Arabian Sea on the western and south-western side at

about 20 km from the site. The Table 3.11 presents the annual climate data for

the Syngenta site, for the year 2004.

As can be seen the site has a hot and humid climate the temperatures seem to

be tempered by the presence of sea and other water bodies. The highest

temperatures are reached in May (maximum day time temperature 35-370 C),

while coolest months are November-December (minimum day time temperature

15-170 C). The rainfall is high about 3,500 to 4,000mm/year, generally centered

around the four monsoon months.

Winds exhibit a diurnal shift, shore directional sea breezes from the west-north

west during day time and night time drainage winds from north and north east

direction. The westerly winds are found to dominate during summer season

(Wind Rose for summer Fig 3.2) because of higher day time temperatures.

Therefore in summer, the area East-North east of the plant have been selected

for critical evaluation of air quality.



Table 3.11

Meteorological data from January 2004 to December 2004

Parameter Jan-04 Feb-04 Mar-04 Apr-04 May-04 Jun-04 Jul-04 Aug-04 Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 Dec-04Temp. ( º C)Maximum 35.70 36.7 37.2 35.5 37.5 33.5 30.8 29.4 31.9 36.5 36.9 37Minimum 16.90 17 21 22.4 23.7 22.5 22.2 22.7 22 21.5 18.3 16.5RH ( %)Maximum 97.00 95.9 95.9 92.8 96 99 99 99 99 99 92 90Minimum 62.3 49.6 69.1 72.9 71.8 70 74 81 78.9 62.8 59.8 61.8Rainfall (mm)Total 0 0 0 0 92.5 554.5 589 623 162.5 120.5 0 0

Fig 3.2 Wind Rose (Summer ’05)

3.2.5 Noise Level :

Noise Level Sources within the factory were identified as operation of various

pumps, compressors & other rotating machineries. Noise level readings inside

Syngenta premises are presented in Table 3.12. These values are taken inside

various manufacturing plants & utility rooms. These indicate that values are

matching the standards specified in Factories Act.



Table 3.12

Noise Level Within Premises

Sr.No. Description of Location Noise level

dB(A)

1. Main Security Gate 63.02. Admn Building 74.53. ETP 58.54. Boiler Room 81.05. Thermopac 85.06. TMX plant 85.07. Generator room 80.58. PFF Plant 72.0

Standard : ( As per Factories Act 1948)90 dB (A) For 8 hrs duration

Noise level sources in the buffer zone were identified as traffic along NH4A

(Panaji – Belgaum Highway), human settlements & industries. Noise level

readings taken at different locations in the study zone are presented in Table 3.13. These indicate that generally equivalent noise level recorded were within

the standards prescribed under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Table 3.13

Noise Levels in Buffer Zone

Sr.No. Description of

Location

Zone / Land use Classification

Equivalent Noise level Leq [dB (A) ]

Day Time Night Time1. Marcel Residential 54.3 49.02. Cumbharzua Residential 48.5 44.13. Juvem Residential 46.7 44.74. Tivarem Residential 47.1 44.05. Banastarim Residential 52.8 48.36. Dhulape Residential 54.2 47.47. Ilhas Residential 57.1 45.48. Syngenta (Colony) Industrial 53.9 48.0



9. Karmali Residential 46.7 45.410. Old Goa Residential 49.3 44.511. Navelim Residential 46.8 45.412. Corlim Residential 52.6 48.1

Noise: (Ambient Standards)

Area Code Category of Area Limit in dB (A) Leq Day Time Night Time

A Industrial Area 75 70B Commercial Area 65 55C Residential Area 55 45D Silence Area 50 40

Note: 1) Day Time is reckoned in between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.2) Night Time is reckoned in between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

3.3 Water Environment :

3.3.1 Introduction:

The State of Goa can be classified into three categories. The hilly region

towards East, the intermediate undulating tracts & pene planes and low lying

land along the coast. The territory is traversed by three main rivers viz.

Chapora, Mandovi & Zuari along with a network of number of seasonal

tributaries. These three rivers are perennially navigable within the territory of

Goa, which give the State one of the best waterways network in the country.

The Syngenta manufacturing complex lies about 15-20 km in land from Arabian

Sea. The Mandovi - Zuari rivers flow from the hilly areas on the east into the

Arabian Sea on the West, about 4 km North and 13 km South of Syngenta site

respectively.

The two rivers are connected by a canal called Cumbharzua canal about 14 km

and 11 km away from the mouths of the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries

respectively. The canal is about 17 km in length and about 0.5 km in width. It is

narrow and shallow at the Mandovi end while it is appreciably wider and deeper

at the Zuari end. The northern side of the canal has two narrow channels, which

merge together before meeting the Mandovi estuary. The Cumbharzua canal is



an interesting example of two rivers interacting dynamically through a common

channel within the estuarine region. During monsoon season, the Cumbharzua

canal becomes the only waterway for all the barge and boat traffic to Marmugao

through the Zuari river. The fresh water flows out from Mandovi to Zuari through

Cumbharzua canal during the monsoon period. Tidal influx flows in the opposite

direction in the Cumbharzua canal.

3.3.2 Reconnaissance Studies:

The study area of the site (10 km radius) thus comprises of hillocks located to

the East and comparative plains on the West. The area being located in Konkan

region receives copious amount of rainfall and the rain water flows over the hilly

undulating tracts unchecked and meets the Zuari/Mandovi Rivers. Thus, surface

water scenario in the area is dominated by the presence of Mandovi/Zuari river

estuaries and Cumbarzua canal.

During high tide, water accumulates on mud-flats located to the South of the site

thus inundating these lands. Low-lying areas within the factory site and at

Karmali (1 km of site) have accumulated rain water & resulted in formation of

water reservoirs/lakes. The water reservoir within the factory is being used as

source of water to partially meet the Company’s requirement during dry

seasons.

The ground water table in the study area is of two types, shallow aquifer in the

hard laterite strata and deep-seated aquifer in the lower basaltic strata. Ground

water is tapped extensively in the study region for use as drinking water. Both

open dug wells and tube wells are observed in the study area.

Cumbarzua canal being estuarine in nature, shows high salinity levels.

Syngenta has been discharging its effluents in the canal through a diffuser

designed by National Institute of Oceanography.

3.3.3 Nature of Studies carried out :



As part of baseline environmental monitoring studies, ground water quality

was monitored in villages in/around the site in the buffer zone. The objective

was to determine water quality with respect to drinking water quality

parameters as specified in IS 10,500 & to check water for possible

contamination by pesticides/heavy metals.

Water quality was also monitored in the reservoir within the factory and in

Karmali lake to find out baseline water quality.

Ecological assessment of Cumbarzua canal was carried out to gauge impact

of continued discharge of pollutants on aquatic ecosystem in Cumbarzua

canal. Various studies carried out were to find out :

- Physico-chemical characteristics of sediments

- Water quality in terms of physicochemical, nutrient and organic/inorganic

parameters, heavy metals etc

- Biological quality of the aquatic ecosystem, characteristics of benthic flora

& fauna, diversity of species

Studies were carried out in Cumbarzua Canal in order to develop dispersion

modeling conditions in the canal. These included :

- Hydrological studies – Tide levels, current & flow direction were

monitored every hour over one tidal cycle at 8 identified locations. In

addition Dye Dispersion studies were undertaken to establish dispersion

coefficients in the canal.

- Field Monitoring Studies – Samples were collected every hour over one

complete tidal cycle for pH / DO/Temperature. Samples were also

collected at every 3 hourly interval on Spring / Neap Tide days for

analyzing other pollutional parameters like NO3 / BOD/PO4/Br etc

- Findings of dispersion Modelling Studies are presented separately.

Surface water contamination due to disposal of solid hazardous waste on

land (Already covered under item 3.1.6.4 (b)).

Details of studies carried out & findings are presented below :

3.3.4 Ground Water Monitoring Studies :

Ground water monitoring was carried out at eleven location in/around the site.



Location details of ground water monitoring stations are indicated in Table 3.14.

Table 3.14

Ground Water Quality Monitoring - Location Details

Sr.No.

Location Directions/Bearing wrt site Use of Water

1 Well Water – Cumbharzua Village (Jharkatarwada)

Towards North of Syngenta at a distance of about 2 km

Water is used for Sundry purpose (vehicle washing etc)

2 Well Water – Near Cham’s Factory (Marcel - Goa)

Towards North east of Syngenta at a distance of 2 kms

Water is used for drinking & other domestic purposes

3 Well Water – Colony Surface Well

Within factory premises Presently water is not used for drinking purpose

4 Well Water – Plant Surface Well.

Within factory premises Presently water is not used for drinking purpose

5 Well Water – Dhulapi Village (Hiru Dhulapker).

Towards east of the plant at a distance of about 1 Km

Water is used for Sundry purpose (vehicle washing etc)

6 Well Water – Dhulapi Village (Ratnaker M. Naik)

Towards east of the plant at a distanc e of about 1 Km


7 Well Water – Dhulapi Village (Surya Naik – Near Dr. Dhulapker)

Towards east of the plant at a distance of about 1 Km


8 Well Water – Ilhas Village (H. B. D’Souza)

Towards south of plant at a distance of about 1 km


9 Well Water – Karmali Village (Near Kamlavati Ravalnath Temple)

Towards south west of plant at a distance of about 3.2 km


10 Well Water – Corlim Village (Near Ravalnath Temple)

Towards west of plant at a distance of about 0.5 km


11 Well Water – Corlim Village (Barve’s Well)

Towards west of plant at a distance of about 0.5 km


Analysis results for ground water quality are presented in Table 3.15.



Table 3.15

Ground Water Quality Monitoring

Parameter1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Permissible limits Method of analysis

Physico chemical

Colour < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00 < 5.00



APHA Standard Methods

Odour None

Taste Agreeable

Turbidity 1.08 1.6 3.56 1.36 2 1.26 0.94 1.06 1.48 2.08 3.5 5

pH 6.32 5.90 6.81 6.7 7.41 6.72 6.97 6.28 6.19 6.18 6.75 6.5-8.5

Total hardness(as CaCO3) 227.5 23.5 385 75.5 245 135 94.5 15.75 37.5 48.25 26.25 300

Calcium as Ca++ 6.73 1.44 6.13 3.97 7.53 4.57 2.72 0.84 1.12 1.2 1.2 75

Magnesium as Mg++ 51.40 4.85 90.19 16 55.18 30.15 21.39 3.33 8.46 11.04 5.67 30

Dissolved Solids 1096.5 54 1477.5 253.5 915 486 210 65 97 146 59 500

Total Iron 0.04 0.51 0.37 0.37 0.17 0.1 0.03 0.17 0.18 0.25 0.1 0.3

Manganese as Mn 0.075 0.09 0.08 0.03 0.065 0.065 0.055 0.09 0.05 0.13 0.35 0.1

Nitrate as NO3 0.17 0.22 0.25 0.055 1.20 1.81 0.075 0.15 0.73 0.61 0.28 45

Sulphate as SO4 32.69 1.79 62 21.73 52.44 43.84 14.41 1.92 2.05 10.22 1.11 200

Chlorides 349.53 10.12 484.53 46.76 256.7 114.5 47.24 13.01 14.1 24.83 7.23 250

Bromides 0.47 0.001 0.07 0.05 0.035 0.006 0.002 BDL 0.42 0.001 BDL

Fluorides 0.36 0.25 0.28 0.43 0.29 0.42 0.40 0.21 0.38 0.33 0.35 1

Alkalinity 13 15.5 47 27.5 29 29.5 26.5 6 16.5 13 11.5 200

Heavy Metals

Zinc as Zn 0.1 BDL 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 BDL BDL BDL 0.1 BDL 15



Nickel as Ni BDL BDL 0.02 BDL BDL 0.02 BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL -

Cadmium as Cd BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.01

Chromium as Cr BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.02 BDL 0.05

Lead as Pb BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.05

Pesticides

Pretilachlor BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

Thiamethoxam BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

MCP BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

Phosphamidon BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

DDVP BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

Profenophos BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

Cuman BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 0.001

BacteriologicalMost Probable No. of Coliform (MPN) organisms/ 100ml.

>2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 >2400 10

IS 1622-1981

Presumptive Test for E. Coli Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Negative

Confirmatory Test for E. Coli Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Negative

Completed Test for E. Coli Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Negative

Indole Test for E. Coli.: Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Negative



Ground water quality at Cumbarzua (well no. 1), Plant surface well (well no. 3) &

Dhulape village (well no. 5) indicate high levels of dissolved solids probably

because areas are in low lying lands and due to saline intrusion during high tide

from Cumbarzua canal. Ground water quality for all other wells meets

physicochemical standards for drinking water quality (IS 10,500).

Zinc was detected in some of the samples but had concentrations much lower

than limits prescribed under IS 10,500 (Drinking Water Quality). Pesticides were

not detected in any of the well samples during the survey.

All wells however fail to meet norms for bacteriological water quality and

indicate need for disinfection before use.

3.3.5 Surface Water Monitoring – Lakes/Reservoirs :

As described above, there are is a water reservoir within the factory premises

and a natural lake exists at Karmali 1 km South of the factory. The water from

Syngenta reservoir is used for manufacturing activities in case of shortfall in

water supply from PWD (particularly during summer season).

The reservoir being close to the site, the water quality was analysed for various

physico – chemical parameters & checked for contamination due to heavy

metals / pesticides.

Location details of the lakes/water reservoirs are presented in Table 3.16 &

Results of Analysis of water sample are presented in Table 3.17.



Table 3.16

Location of Lakes/Reservoirs

1 Syngenta reservoir Within factory premises

2 Karmali Lake Water. Towards south west of the plant at a distance of about 3.2 Km.

Table 3.17Surface Water Quality Monitoring

From the data presented, it is seen that the Syngenta reservoir shows higher

TDS/chloride levels. This is probably because it is connected through two

channels to the Cumbarzua canal and during high tide, water from the Canal

enters the lake. Both the water bodies above do not show any contamination

due to heavy metals/pesticides.

Analysis result for sediment samples are presented in Table 3.18. These

samples also do not indicate presence of heavy metals in significant quantities.

No pesticides were detected in the samples analysed.


ParameterSyngenta main lake

Karmali Lake Water

Method of analysis

Physico chemicalColour < 5.00 < 5.00



APHA Standard Methods

Odour None NoneTurbidity 4.38 24.5pH 7.18 7.32Total hardness(as CaCO3) 2370 273Calcium as Ca++ 69.37 4.73Magnesium as Mg++ 535.83 63.72Dissolved Solids 20149 1649Suspended Solids 28 46B.O.D. 10.1 13.1D.O. 4.6 5.1Total Iron 0.64 3.18Manganese as Mn 0.09 0.17Nitrate as NO3 0.09 0.13Sulphate as SO4 843.2 14.20Chlorides 12149.42 460.18Bromides 32.75 0.14Fluorides 0.97 0.58Phosphates 0.007 0.007Alkalinity 34.5 30Heavy MetalsZinc as Zn 0.1 BDLNickel as Ni BDL BDLCadmium as Cd BDL BDLChromium as Cr BDL BDLLead as Pb BDL BDLPesticidesPretilachlor BDL BDLThiamethoxam BDL BDLMCP BDL BDLPhosphomidon BDL BDLDDVP BDL BDLProfenophos BDL BDLCuman BDL BDL


Table 3.18

Analysis of Sediment Samples

Parameter Unit Sediment SampleMain Syngenta

ReservoirPhysico ChemicalpH of 20% Solution -- 6.75Total Organic Carbon

% 3.60

Available Phosphorous

% 0.005

Chlorides % 1.14Sulphates % 1.19Nitrogen % 0.2MetalsZinc as Zn mg/kg BDLNickel as Ni mg/kg 0.01Cadmium as Cd mg/kg BDLChromium as Cr mg/kg 0.01Lead as Pb mg/kg BDLPesticidesPretilachlor ppm BDLThiomoethoxam ppm BDLMCP ppm BDLPhosphomidon ppm BDLDDVP ppm BDLProfenophos ppm BDLCuman ppm BDL



3.4 Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystem : (conducted through Department of Marine Sciences, Goa University)

3.4.1 Scope of the study :

The Cumbharzua Canal, is a unique water body connecting River Mandovi in

the North and River Zuari in the South. Both the ends of the canal connect

close to the river mouths, consequently, tidal influence is seen in the canal.

The detailed scope of study was as under:

Collection of surface & subsurface water samples from Cumbharzua

canal during Spring and Neap tides. Analyse water samples for physico-

chemical characteristics, nutrients and heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb,

Cd) & organic parameter viz. DO/BOD/NH4A & pesticide content to

gauge impact of existing effluent discharge on the canal water quality.

Collect sediment samples from Cumbarzua canal during spring & neap

tide. Analyse the samples for physicochemical characteristics such as

grain size, pH, organic carbon and heavy metals like Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb,

Cd & pesticide content to ascertain sediment composition at the site & to

ascertain the impact of existing effluent discharge on sediment quality.

Collect sediments and analyze for meiobenthic fauna (density and

diversity), macrobenthic fauna (density and diversity) and benthic fish

fauna.

Analyse surface & sub-surface water samples for microbiological activity

and primary productivity, plankton distribution (phyto and zoo planktons

and density of flora and fauna in marine environment including shell fish,

algae). From existing and past record of commercial fishing, comment on

fisheries status and presence of fish spawning grounds etc.

Identify existence of endangered species, if any

APPROACH STRATEGY

To fulfill the scope of the study, four sets of collection was undertaken,

representing High Tide and Low Tide of Spring Tide and High Tide and Low

Tide of Neap Tide. Various parameters analysed are grouped under

geological, chemical and biological studies to understand various aspects of



aquatic environment under study.

The results of various parameters studied for geological, geochemical and

biological aspects of the study area are presented below, under three

separate heads namely Geological Study, Hydrochemical Study and Biological

Study.

3.4.2 Geological Study:

Sediments are one of the important components of aquatic ecosystem.

Sediment type and its characteristics play a major role in defining the limits of

benthic fauna and its density and diversity. The sediment also acts as sink

and source for chemical elements and nutrients.

3.4.2.1 Sedimentological Parameters:

Sediment composition and type of sediment

The data obtained on sediment composition and type of sediment for spring

and neap tides are presented in Table 3.19 and 3.20 respectively.

The gravel percentage in sediments, for the spring tide varies from 7.79%

(Station 3) to 17.17% (Station 4) during high tide and 7.40% (Station 5) to

57.17% (Station 2) during low tide. For the neap tide, the gravel percentage in

sediments varies from 0.25% (Station 1) to 1.60% (Station 7) and 21.71%

(Station 4) to 28.72% (Station 5) during low tide. The sediment contains higher

gravel percentage during low tides of both spring and neap tides.

For the spring tide, the sand percentage in sediments varies from 16.83%


86.77% (Station 1) during low tide. For the neap tide, the sand percentage in

sediments varies from 6.38% (Station 4) to 82.42% (Station 1) during high tide

and 7.50% (Station 2) to 90.97% (Station 1) during low tide. Highest

percentage of sand has been recorded at station 8 during all the collections.



Table 3.19Sediment Composition and Type of Sediments (Spring Tide)

Stations Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt (%) Clay (%) Sediment Type1HT - 92.56 01.97 05.47 Sandy2HT - 57.65 16.20 26.15 Muddy Sand3HT 07.79 56.16 14.15 21.90 Gravelly Muddy Sand4HT 17.17 42.87 22.54 17.42 Gravelly Muddy Sand5HT 09.15 16.83 33.97 40.05 Gravelly Mud6HT - 39.99 25.38 34.63 Sandy Mud7HT 09.77 72.31 06.15 11.77 Gravelly Muddy Sand8HT - 68.50 13.50 18.00 Muddy Sand

1LT - 86.77 06.70 06.53 Muddy Sand2LT 57.17 31.04 05.17 06.62 Muddy Sandy Gravel3LT - 03.68 56.93 39.39 Mud4LT 40.15 28.73 15.39 15.73 Muddy Gravel5LT 07.40 06.17 35.72 50.71 Gravelly Mud6LT - 50.50 21.69 27.81 Muddy Sand 7LT - 12.64 36.45 50.91 Sandy Mud8LT - 28.96 33.83 37.21 Sandy Mud

HT = High Tide LT = Low Tide

Table 3.20Sediment Composition and Type of Sediments (Neap Tide)

Stations Gravel (%) Sand (%) Silt (%) Clay (%) Sediment Type1HT 00.25 82.42 07.44 09.89 Slightly Gravelly Muddy

Sand2HT - 39.25 29.44 31.31 Sandy Mud3HT - 77.72 10.29 11.99 Muddy Sand4HT - 06.38 36.84 56.78 Mud5HT - 46.55 30.74 22.71 Sandy Mud6HT - 55.42 07.99 36.59 Clayey Sand7HT 01.60 64.77 12.39 21.24 Slightly Gravelly Muddy

Sand8HT - 22.43 42.15 35.42 Sandy Mud

1LT - 90.97 03.66 05.37 Sand2LT - 07.50 52.55 39.95 Mud3LT - 80.54 06.99 12.47 Muddy Sand4LT 21.71 58.14 07.00 13.15 Gravelly Muddy Sand5LT 28.72 48.30 10.74 12.24 Gravelly Muddy Sand6LT - 46.60 16.88 36.52 Sandy Clay 7LT 25.46 59.40 05.01 10.04 Gravelly Muddy Sand8LT - 65.56 14.22 20.22 Muddy Sand




For the spring tide, the silt percentage in sediments varies from 1.97%


56.93% (Station 3) during low tide. For the neap tide, the silt percentage in

sediments varies from 7.44% (Station 1) to 42.15% (Station 8) during high

tide and 3.66%( Station 1) to 52.55% (Station 2) during low tide.

For the spring tide, the clay percentage in sediments varies from 5.47%


50.91%(Station 7) during low tide. For the neap tide, the clay percentage in

sediments varies from 9.89% (Station 1) to 56.78% (Station 4) during high tide

and 5.37% (Station 1) to 39.95% (Station 2) during low tide.

Both silt and clay are less at station 1, closer to Mandovi river and high at

different stations inside the canal indicating that the study area is quiet

environment & thus deposition of finer sediments occurs.

Grain size parameters

The data computed on grain size parameters for sediments during spring and

neap tides are presented in Table 3.21 and 3.22 respectively.

The mean size (ø) of sediments, for the spring tide varies from 1.34 (Station 7)

to 4.84 (Station 5) during high tide and from –1.17 (Station 2) to 6.85 (Station

7) during low tide. For the neap tide, mean size (ø) varies from 2.15 (Station 1)

to 7.04 (Station 4) during high tide and from 0.9 (Station 5) to 6.65 (Station 2)

during low tide.

The standard deviation (σI) of sediments, for spring tide varies from 0.54

(Station 1) to 4.04 (Station 5) during high tide and from 1.10 (Station 1) to 4.68

(Station 4) during low tide. For the neap tide, the standard deviation (σI) of

sediments varies from 1.10 (Station 3) to 3.26 (Station 2) during high tide and

from 0.96 (Station 1) to 3.60 (Station 6) during low tide.



Table 3.21Grain size Parameters of Sediments (Spring Tide)

Stations Mean (Mz) Standard Deviation (σI) Skewness (Ski) Kurtosis (KG)1HT 1.96 Medium Grade Sand 0.54 Moderately Well

Sorted0.61 Very Positively Skewed 2.12 Very Leptokurtic

2HT 3.01 Very Fine Grade Sand

2.73 Very Poorly Sorted 0.68 Very Positively Skewed 094 Mesokurtic

3HT 2.33 Fine Grade Sand 2.68 Very Poorly Sorted 0.18 Positively Skewed 1.22 Leptokurtic4HT 2.47 Fine Grade Sand 3.61 Very Poorly Sorted 0.33 Very Positively Skewed 0.93 Mesokurtic5HT 4.84 Coarse Grade Silt 4.04 Extremely Poorly

Sorted-0.18 Negatively Skewed 0.77 Platykurtic

6HT 4.78 Coarse Grade Silt 2.97 Very Poorly Sorted 0.28 Positively Skewed 0.70 Platykurtic7HT 1.34 Medium Grade Sand 2.03 Very Poorly Sorted 0.12 Positively Skewed 2.23 Very Leptokurtic8HT 2.42 Fine Grade Sand 1.99 Poorly Sorted 0.33 Very Positively Skewed 1.95 Very Leptokurtic

1LT 2.21 Fine Grade Silt 1.10 Poorly Sorted 0.29 Positively Skewed 1.85 Very Leptokurtic2LT -1.17 Granule 2.82 Very Poorly Sorted 0.36 Very Positively Skewed 1.23 Leptokurtic3LT 6.56 Fine Grade Silt 2.21 Very Poorly Sorted 0.15 Positively Skewed 0.72 Leptokurtic4LT 1.43 Medium Grade Silt 4.68 Extremely Poorly

Sorted0.15 Negatively Skewed 0.83 Leptokurtic

5LT 5.90 Medium Grade Sand 3.82 Very Poorly Sorted -0.29 Negatively Skewed 1.31 Platykurtic6LT 4.82 Coarse Grade Silt 2.41 Very Poorly Sorted 0.65 Very Positively Skewed 1.34 Platykurtic7LT 6.85 Fine Grade Sand 2.61 Very Poorly Sorted -0.23 Negatively Skewed 0.98 Mesokurtic8LT 6.25 Fine Grade Sand 2.16 Poorly Sorted 0.35 Very Positively Skewed 0.75 Platykurtic




Table 3.22Grainsize Parameters of Sediments (NeapTide)

Stations Mean (Mz) Standard Deviation (σI) Skewness (Ski) Kurtosis (KG)1HT 2.15 Fine Grade Sand 1.70 Poorly Sorted 0.49 Very Positively Skewed 2.00 Very Leptokurtic2HT 4.84 Coarse Grade Silt 3.26 Very Poorly Sorted -0.12 Negatively Skewed 0.69 Platykurtic3HT 3.09 Very Fine Grade

Sand1.10 Poorly Sorted 0.50 Very Positively Skewed 1.95 Very Leptokurtic

4HT 7.04 Very Fine Grade Sand

2.29 Very Poorly Sorted -0.02 Symmetrically Skewed 0.63 Very Platykurtic

5HT 4.53 Coarse Grade Silt 2.59 Very Poorly Sorted 0.51 Very Positively Skewed 1.29 Leptokurtic6HT 3.82 Very Fine Grade

Sand3.11 Very Poorly Sorted 0.75 Very Positively Skewed 1.13 Leptokurtic

7HT 2.33 Fine Grade Sand 2.20 Very Poorly Sorted 0.67 Very Positively Skewed 1.59 Very Leptokurtic8HT 6.18 Fine Grade Sand 2.46 Very Poorly Sorted 0.24 Positively Skewed 0.68 Platykurtic

1LT 1.99 Medium Grade Silt 0.96 Moderately Sorted 0.45 Very Positively Skewed 2.01 Very Leptokurtic2LT 6.65 Fine Grade Silt 2.32 Very Poorly Sorted 0.40 Very Positively Skewed 0.78 Platykurtic3LT 2.91 Fine Grade Silt 1.15 Poorly Sorted 0.31 Very Positively Skewed 2.23 Very Leptokurtic4LT 0.97 Coarse Grade Silt 2.76 Very Poorly Sorted 0.11 Positively Skewed 1.92 Very Leptokurtic5LT 0.90 Coarse Grade Silt 2.99 Very Poorly Sorted 0.25 Positively Skewed 0.98 Mesokurtic6LT 4.23 Coarse Grade Silt 3.60 Very Poorly Sorted 0.38 Very Positively Skewed 0.63 Very Platykurtic7LT 0.47 Coarse Grade Silt 2.85 Very Poorly Sorted -0.24 Negatively Skewed 1.13 Leptokurtic8LT 3.61 Very Fine Grade

Sand2.11 Very Poorly Sorted 0.55 Very Positively Skewed 2.49 Very Leptokurtic




The skewness (Ski) values of sediments, for spring tide varies from –0.18

(Station 5) to 0.68 (Station 2) during high tide and –0.29 (Station 5) to 0.65

(Station 6) during low tide. For the neap tide, the skewness (Ski) values of

sediments varies and from –0.12 (Station 2) to 0.75 (Station 6) during high

tide and from –0.24 (Station 7) to 0.55 (Station 8) during low tide.

The kurtosis (KG) values of sediments, for the spring tide varies from 0.70

(Station 6) to 2.23 (Station 7) during high tide and from 0.72 (Station 3) to 1.85

(Station 1) during low tide. For the neap tide, kurtosis (KG) values of

sediments vary from 0.63 (Station 4) to 2.00 (Station 1) during high tide and

from 0.63 (Station 6) to 2.49 (Station 8) during low tide.

3.4.2.2 Physico-chemical Parameters:pH

The data obtained on sediment pH for spring and neap tides are presented in

Table 3.23 and 3.24 respectively. pH, for spring tide varies from 7.62

(Station 1) to 7.88 (Station 7) during high tide and from 7.62 (Station 2) to

8.10 (Station 8) during low tide. For neap tide, pH varies from 7.44 (Station 2)

to 8.01(Station 1) during high tide and from 7.31 (Station 6) to 7.82 (Station 5)

during low tide.’

The pH values for sediment samples vary in a narrow range of 7.31 to 8.10 in

the study area. Lowest value has been recorded during neap low tide.

Eh The data obtained on sediment Eh for spring and neap tides are presented in

Table 3.23 and 3.24 respectively. For spring tide, Eh varies from 202.1mV

(Station 1) to 223.6mV (Station 6) during high tide and from 192.2mV (Station

2) to 217.9 mV (Station 5) during low tide. Eh, for neap tide varies from

222.5mV (Station 3) to 258.9 mV (Station 6) during high tide and from

145.1mV (Station 3) to 230.8 mV (Station 1) during low tide.

Eh values for sediment, in the study area vary in the range of 145.1 to 258.9

mV. The lowest value has been recorded during neap low tide.



Organic Carbon (OC)

During spring tide, the organic carbon in sediments varies from 0.2531%

(Station 1) to 1.5633 % (Station 5) during high tide and from 0.4752% (Station

1) to 2.6139% (Station 7) during low tide Table 3.23. The organic carbon

content, for neap tide varies from 0.4197% (Station 1) to 2.2163% (Station 4)

during high tide and from 0.1205% (Station 1) to 2.0787 % (Station 2) during

low tide Table 3.24.

Nitrogen (N)

The nitrogen concentration in sediments, for the spring tide varies from

16.67mg/g (Station 8) to 42.67 mg/g (Station 2) during high tide and from

9.32mg/g (Station 7) to 42.94mg/g (Station 5) during low tide Table 3.23. For

the neap tide, nitrogen concentration in sediments varies from 5.88mg/g

(Station 3) to 26.73 mg/g (Station 5) during high tide and from 7.27mg/g

(Station 7) to 26.00mg/g (Station 2) during the low tide. Higher nitrogen values

have been recorded during high and low tide of spring tide Table 3.24.

Phosphorus (P)

For the spring tide, phosphorus concentration in sediments varies from

377.13µg/g (Station 1) to 2664.23 µg/g (Station 5) during high tide and from

218.98µg/g (Station 2) to 3576.64µg/g (Station 5) during low tide Table 3.23.

The phosphorus concentration in sediments, for the neap tide varies from

243.31µg/g (Station 5) to 644.77µg/g (Station 6) during high tide and from

145.99µg/g (Station 3) to 2579.80µg/g (Station 7) during low tide. Highest

values of phosphorus are recorded during low tides of spring and neap tide

Table 3.24.



Table 3.23

Table 3.24

3.4.2.3 Transparency of the water column:

The data on total suspended matter and transparency depth for spring and

neap tide are presented in Table 3.25 and 3.26 respectively. For spring tide,

the transparency depth of water varies from 0.4m (Station 3) to 0.7m (Station

5) during high tide and from 0.2m (Station 4 and 3) to 0.5m (Station 1) during

low tide. For neap tide, the transparency depth of water varies from 0.5m

(Station 8, 7 and 5) to 1m (Station 1) during high tide and from 0.5m (Station 8

and 7) to 0.8m (Station 3) during low tide (Tables 3.25 and 3.26).

Total Suspended Matter (TSM):

For spring tide, the surface TSM varies from 14.2mg/l (Station 4) to 61.6mg/l

(Station 3) during high tide and from 24.7mg/l (Station 1) to 99 mg/l (Station 5)

during low tide. The bottom TSM, for spring tide varies from 31.7mg/l (Station

5) to 153.3mg/l (Station 7) during high tide and from 42.7mg/l (Station 7) to


Physico Chemical Analysis of (Spring Tide)

Stations OC (%) N (mg/g) P (µg/g) pH Eh (mV)1HT 0.2531 23.75 0377.13 7.62 202.12HT 1.1166 42.67 1289.54 7.86 208.93HT 1.0273 25.40 1265.21 7.83 203.14HT 1.1762 19.25 0571.78 7.83 209.45HT 1.5633 33.80 2664.23 7.78 210.96HT 1.3846 36.85 2420.92 7.76 223.67HT 0.4318 31.69 2007.30 7.88 221.108HT 0.9677 16.67 0583.94 7.85 204.7

1LT 0.4752 24.41 0620.44 7.71 197.42LT 0.7129 37.44 0218.98 7.62 192.3LT 1.2772 22.88 0559.61 7.78 216.84LT 2.0792 42.94 3576.64 7.63 217.95LT 1.1287 16.87 0754.26 7.75 200.56LT 2.0792 42.94 3576.64 7.63 217.97LT 2.6139 09.32 0462.29 7.74 211.08LT 1.7822 40.02 1374.70 8.10 211.7


Physico Chemical Analysis of ( Neap Tide)

Stations OC (%) N (mg/g) P (µg/g) pH Eh (mV)1HT 0.4197 09.65 535.28 8.01 226.82HT 1.1998 14.82 571.78 7.44 239.93HT 0.5097 05.88 462.29 7.54 239.94HT 2.2163 15.87 535.28 7.67 255.45HT 1.1698 26.73 243.31 7.62 247.86HT 1.0192 20.11 644.77 7.77 258.97HT 0.8397 20.04 559.61 7.68 237.68HT 1.9793 26.29 462.29 7.83 255.7

1LT 0.1205 19.25 0669.10 7.51 230.82LT 2.0787 26.00 2165.45 7.59 166.13LT 0.4519 14.55 0145.99 7.52 145.14LT 0.4824 19.98 0632.60 7.67 152.25LT 0.5120 19.30 0924.57 7.82 155.86LT 1.2056 25.47 1119.22 7.31 159.77LT 0.4221 07.27 2579.08 7.67 170.08LT 0.8738 16.61 0656.93 7.53 156.2



90.7mg/l (Station 5) during low tide (Table 3.25).

For neap tide, the surface TSM varies from 9.6mg/l (Station 1) to 21.2mg/l

(Station 3) during high tide and from 5.1mg/l (Station 1) to 32.8mg/l (Station 8)

during low tide. The bottom TSM, for neap tide varies from 12.9mg/l (Station

1) to 35.9mg/l (Station 5) during high tide and from 19.3mg/l (Station 7) to

118.3mg/l (Station 1) during low tide (Table 3.26).

In the surface as well as bottom waters, TSM was found to be higher during

the low tides of both the spring and neap tide. It is also noted that bottom

waters have higher TSM values than the respective surface waters.



Table 3.25

Transparency Depth and TSM (Spring Tide)

Table 3.26

Transparency Depth and TSM (Neap Tide)


Stations Transparency (m) TSM (mg/I)Surface Bottom

1HT 0.6 42.7 32.12HT 0.5 50.3 -3HT 0.4 61.6 82.14HT 0.6 14.2 33.45HT 0.7 25.9 31.76HT 0.6 31.1 -7HT 0.5 30.3 153.38HT 0.5 31.9 84.91LT 0.5 24.7 -2 LT - 37.1 -3 LT 0.2 43.6 47.44 LT 0.2 26.1 87.15 LT 0.4 99.0 90.76 LT - 39.3 -7 LT 0.3 59.4 42.78 LT 0.4 55.0 64.5

HT : High Tide , LT : Low Tide

Stations Transparency (m) TSM (mg/I)Surface Bottom

1HT 1 09.6 12.92HT - 16.43HT 0.8 21.2 20.04HT 0.6 18.15HT 0.5 18.1 35.96HT - 18.17HT 0.5 18.6 33.28HT 0.5 17.9 31.11LT 0.7 05.1 118.32LT - 17.03LT 0.8 12.04LT 0.6 19.8 22.65LT 0.7 22.4 23.36LT - 23.17LT 0.5 26.0 19.38LT 0.5 32.8

HT : High Tide, LT : Low Tide


3.4.2.4 Metals in Sediments

Distribution and abundance of elements viz. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb in

sediments in the study area within Cumbharzua Canal are presented in the

Table 3.27 and Table 3.28.

Iron

Iron (%) in Cumbharzua Canal at spring tide varied from 6.57 to 13.00 (9.22)

during high tide with a highest value at Station 5 and a lowest value at Station

1. Whereas, during low tide it varied from 6.24 to 12.61 (9.59) with a highest

value at Station 8 and lowest value at Station 1 (Table 3.27). However, during

neap tide the concentration of iron varied from 6.98 to 15.11 (11.15) at high

tide with a highest value at Station 2 and lowest value at Station 8. Whereas

during low tide it varied from 6.05 to 15.06 (11.26) with a maximum value

observed at Station 5 and minimum value at Station 1(Table 3.28). Iron

concentrations during both spring and neap tides did not show much variation

along the study area, though the values are slightly higher during low tide at

spring and neap tide collection. In general, iron showed relatively high

concentrations during neap tide than spring tide collection.

Manganese

Manganese (µg/g) concentration in sediments in the Cumbharzua Canal at

spring tide varied from 988.17 to 5991.67 (2828.48) and 853.67 to 9133.33

(3725.75) during high tide and low tide respectively. The maximum value was

recorded at Station 4 and minimum value was recorded at Station 8 during

high tide. Whereas during low tide, high concentration was recorded at station

4 and low at station 7 (Table 3.27). However, during neap tide the

concentration of manganese varied from 710.17 to 5883.33 (3587.73) during

high tide while during low tide it varied from 1708.33 to 5508.33 (3360.42)

(Table 3.28). The highest value was recorded at station 4 and lowest value

was recorded at station 7 during high tide. It is interesting to note that at

station 4 manganese showed highest concentrations both at spring tide and

neap tide collections except during low tide of neap tide. Manganese showed



highest concentrations at station 5 during low tide of neap tide. In general,

manganese showed relatively high concentrations during neap tide collection

than during spring tide collection, This distribution is similar to the pattern of

distribution of iron.

Zinc

Zinc (µg/g) content in the study area of Cumbharzua Canal at spring tide

varied from 74.50 to 150.00 (109.58) during high tide with a maximum value at

station 6 and minimum value station 7. Whereas, during low tide zinc content

varied from 103.83 to 220.83 (134.37) with a maximum value at station 3 and

a minimum at station 6. The concentration of zinc is found to be higher during

low tide than high tide during spring tide (Table 3.27). Zinc in the Cumbharzua

canal at neap tide varied from 76.50 to131.50 (106.71) during high tide with a

maximum value at station 4 and minimum value at station 1. Whereas, during

low tide it varied from 78.83 to 126.83 (94.33) with a maximum value at station

8 and minimum at station 1 (Table 3.28). In case of neap tide the

concentration of zinc is found to be higher during high tide as compared to low

tide at most of the stations. In general, zinc showed relatively higher

concentrations during spring tide collection as compared to neap tide

collection unlike iron and manganese.

Cadmium

Cadmium (µg/g ) content in the Cumbharzua Canal at spring tide varied from

5.00 to 8.00 (6.21) during high tide with a maximum value at station 2 and a

minimum value at station 8. Whereas, during low tide it varied from 3.67 to

10.33 (6.21). The maximum value was recorded at station 6 and a minimum at

station 7. Cadmium does not show much variation at high tide and low tide

during the spring tide (Table 3.27). However, at neap tide the cadmium

concentration varied from 5.00 to 7.67 (6.21) during high tide with a maximum

value at station 7 and a minimum at station 3. Whereas, during low tide it

varied from 7.00 to 9.33 (7.96) with a maximum value at station 8 and 5 and a

minimum value at station 3 (Table 3.28). Cadmium recorded relatively higher

concentrations during low tide compared to high tide at neap tide collection of

samples. It is interesting to note that cadmium showed almost uniform



concentrations both at spring and neap tide collection of samples except

during low tide at neap tide collection. During low tide at neap tide collection,

cadmium showed relatively high concentrations during the study period.

Copper

Copper concentration (µg/g) in the Cumbharzua Canal at spring tide varied

from 45.83 to 70.17 (57.31) during high tide with a maximum value at station 5

and a minimum value at station 8. Whereas, during low tide it varied from

52.50 to 85.50 (71.25) with a maximum value at station 7 and a minimum at

station 1 (Table 3.27). It is evident from the above that copper showed

relatively higher concentrations during low tide than high tide collection. At

neap tide copper in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 48.83 to 84.33 (62.02)

during high tide with a maximum value at station 4 and a minimum value at

station 1. Whereas, during low tide copper content varied from 49.67 to 86.33

(63.08) with a maximum value at station 2 and minimum at station 1 (Table 3.28). It is evident from the above that copper did not show much variation

during neap tide collection of samples.

Lead

Lead content (µg/g) in the Cumbarzua Canal at spring tide varied from 29.00

to 53.50 (38.82) with a maximum value at station 4 and a minimum value at

station 1 . Whereas, during low tide it varied from 25.00 to 48.00 (40.85) with a

maximum value at station 3 and a minimum value at station 1(Table 3.27). It is

evident from the above that during low tide, lead showed relatively higher

values compared to high tide. At neap tide lead in the canal varied from 36.00

to 57.50 (42.29) at high tide with a maximum value at station 4 and a minimum

value at station 1 and during low tide, it varied from 45.05 to 103.50 (77.90)

with a maximum value at station 5 and a minimum value at station 3 (Table 3.28). Comparatively higher values of lead are obtained during low tide than

high tide. In general, lead showed relatively higher concentrations during neap

tide than spring tide collection like that of iron and manganese during the

study region.

Table 3.27



Table 3.28

3.4.3 Hydro-chemical Study:Marine organisms, which grow in the waters of the sea, derive their

requirements from the surrounding seawater. The growth and productivity of

various organisms in general, are controlled by the environmental factors such

as temperature, salinity, irradiance, nutrient availability under underwater

movements. Marked seasonal fluctuations in nutrient availability (particularly

nitrogen) in the coastal waters affect the growth rate of organisms. Hence it is

of importance to consider the chemical composition of seawater along with the

other physico-chemical parameters.

3.4.3.1 Physico-chemical characteristics:The physico-chemical characteristics of coastal waters in turn, are largely

controlled by the incident solar radiation, atmospheric processes and regional

climatic conditions. Further, they are prone to changes in hydrographic

characteristics due to the influence of local phenomenon like upwelling, river

discharges, urban runoff and anthropogenic inputs. In order to understand the


Elemental Concentration of Bed load Sediments (Spring Tide)High TideStations Fe (%) Mn Zn Cd (µg/g) Cu Pb

1 6.57 1081.33 100.33 6.67 46.17 29.002 9.43 4000.00 102.83 8.00 61.67 36.333 8.42 1297.00 86.33 6.00 48.17 36.174 10.41 5991.67 139.67 5.67 66.33 53.505 13.00 4900.00 141.00 7.00 70.17 51.336 10.43 3300.00 150.00 5.67 68.83 34.837 8.03 1069.67 74.50 5.67 51.33 35.178 7.46 988.17 82.00 5.00 45.83 34.22

Low TideStations Fe (%) Mn Zn Cd (µg/g) Cu Pb

1 6.24 2558.33 104.00 5.67 52.50 25.002 10.75 3175.00 119.83 5.33 62.17 42.173 9.95 4975.00 220.83 6.00 73.17 48.004 12.49 9133.33 137.17 8.33 72.50 46.335 10.02 5216.67 124.00 6.33 75.33 48.006 7.74 1127.33 103.83 10.33 68.00 37.837 6.88 853.67 130.67 3.67 85.50 32.508 12.61 2766.67 134.67 4.00 80.83 47.00

Elemental Concentration of Bed load Sediments (Neap Tide)High Tide

Stations Fe (%) Mn Zn Cd (µg/g) Cu Pb1 7.48 2108.33 76.50 6.67 48.83 36.002 15.11 5783.33 98.50 7.00 71.33 38.833 15.05 3150.00 108.33 5.00 51.83 36.334 11.54 5883.33 131.50 5.33 84.33 57.505 15.06 4850.00 121.50 7.33 60.00 43.006 9.00 2591.67 114.83 5.33 58.67 41.677 9.00 710.17 84.67 7.67 50.67 42.008 6.98 3625.00 117.83 5.33 70.50 43.00

Low TideStations Fe (%) Mn Zn Cd (µg/g) Cu Pb

1 6.05 1858.33 88.17 8.00 49.67 80.172 11.45 3983.33 111.00 8.00 86.33 92.833 11.97 3025.00 93.00 7.00 62.33 45.054 13.61 4033.33 88.83 7.33 64.67 100.175 15.06 5508.33 88.50 9.33 60.00 103.506 12.59 3458.33 78.83 7.33 61.00 92.507 9.26 1708.33 79.50 7.33 55.00 57.678 10.09 3308.33 126.83 9.33 65.67 51.33


effects of these parameters, a detailed investigation of the hydro chemical

parameters in the study region has been undertaken and the results are

presented in the following pages. The samples were analyzed in triplicate and

the values in parenthesis indicate the averages. The data on the various

physicochemical parameters observed in the Cumbharzua canal during the

spring tide and neap tide are presented in Tables 3.29 and 3.30 respectively.

Temperature

Temperature (ºC) in the Cumbharzua canal ranged from 30.78 to 33.49 in the

surface waters and 30.76 to 33.00 in the bottom waters during the high tide,

Whereas at low tide, it ranged from 31.03 to 32.80 in the surface waters and

from 30.80 to 32.20 in the bottom waters at spring tide (Table 3.29). However,

at neap tide, temperature ranged from 32.50 to 33.86 in surface waters and

from 32.83 to 33.92 in the bottom waters during high tide. Whereas, during

low tide, temperature ranged from 33.34 to 33.90 in the surface waters and

from 33.33 to 33.72 in the bottom waters (Table 3.30). In general, surface

waters registered relatively higher values when compared to bottom waters

due to solar heating of surface waters.

Salinity

Salinity (‰) ranged from 27.2 to 30.42 (29.04) in surface waters and from

30.06 to 28.29 (29.19) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low tide

salinity varied from 24.72 to 28.99 (27.57) in surface waters and from 26.52 to

29.36 (27.58) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29). However at

neap tide, salinity varied from 26.01 to 30.76 (28.62) in surface waters,

whereas in bottom waters it varied from 27.21 to 31.47 (29.6) during the high

tide, and it varied from 26.01 to 29.35 (26.9) in surface waters and from 26.52

to 28.29 (27.4) in bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is evident from

the above that both surface and bottom waters did not show much variation

with respect to salinity. However, salinity registered relatively higher values at

spring tide as compared to neap tide during the study period.

pH



pH varied from 7.71 to 7.89 (7.84) in surface waters and from 7.77 to 7.91

(7.86) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low tide pH varied from

7.72 to 7.85 (7.76) in surface waters and from 7.75 to 7.88 (7.8) in bottom

waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29) thus showing lower surface and higher

bottom values. However, at neap tide, pH varied from 7.31 to 7.74 (7.61) in

surface waters, whereas in bottom waters it varied from 7.46 to 7.8 (7.60)

during the high tide, and it varied from 7.35 to 7.85 (7.64) in surface waters

and from 7.17 to 7.76 (7.5) in bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is

evident from the above that both surface and bottom waters did not show

much variation of pH during neap tide unlike spring tide during the study

period. In general, spring tide waters registered relatively higher values of pH

compared to waters of neap tide during the study period.

Alkalinity

Alkalinity (m.eq.l-1) varied from 1.89 to 2.5 (2.07) in surface waters and from

1.97 to 2.11 (2.04) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low tide

alkalinity varied from 1.81 to 1.96 (1.87) in surface waters and from 1.83 to

2.06 (1.91) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29) However, at neap

tide, alkalinity varied from 1.62 to 2.08 (1.87) in surface waters, whereas in

bottom waters it varied from 1.66 to 2.08 (1.87) during the high tide, and it

varied from 1.54 to 1.91 (1.69) in surface waters and from 1.51 to 1.77 (1.64)

in bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). Like pH, alkalinity did not show

much variation in both surface and bottom waters during spring and neap

tides. However, spring tide values were relatively higher than neap tide values

during the study period.

Dissolved Oxygen

D.O (ml.l-1) varied from 2.46 to 2.9 (2.62) in surface waters and from 1.58 to



2.8 (2.41) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas, at low tide D.O varied

from 1.47 to 3.25 (2.56) in surface waters and from 2.6 to 3.43 (2.99) in

bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29). However, at neap tide, D.O

varied from 2.4 to 2.86 (2.65) in surface waters, whereas in bottom waters it

varied from 2.36 to 2.72 (2.55) during the high tide, and it varied from 2.37 to

2.83 (2.55) in surface waters and from 2.22 to2.87 (2.56) in bottom waters

during low tide (Table 3.30). It is evident from the above that D.O did not show

much variation in concentration in both surface and bottom waters during

spring and neap tides. However, water collections made during spring tide

registered relatively higher concentrations of D.O as compared to neap tide

collection of waters during the study period.



Table 3.29Hydrochemical Parameters and Nutrients (Spring Tide)

High TideStations Phosp

hateNitrite Silicat

eAmmon

iaNitrat

eTem

p.Salinit

ypH Alkalin

ityD.O. (ml/l)

(μmol.dm-3) (oC) (*10-3) (meq.l-1) (ml.l-

1)1S 0.61 0.80 28.87 - 4.345 30.78 28.29 7.87 1.97 2.701B 0.66 0.86 34.65 0.059 2.896 30.76 29.00 7.87 1.97 2.802S 0.76 0.75 25.98 - 2.494 32.57 27.22 7.88 1.92 2.903S 0.57 0.86 23.09 0.118 0.402 33.22 27.93 7.88 1.89 2.533B 0.76 0.71 23.09 0.415 0.483 33.00 29.36 7.88 1.99 2.504S 0.71 0.44 37.05 - 1.850 - 29.36 7.89 2.01 2.464B 0.76 0.59 37.53 0.059 2.172 - 29.72 7.91 2.03 2.605S 0.71 0.42 33.68 0.059 1.046 32.23 29.72 7.81 2.06 2.835B 0.38 0.42 46.68 0.178 1.166 - 28.65 7.84 2.06 2.466S 0.71 0.46 22.14 0.237 3.138 33.49 30.06 7.89 2.11 2.097S 0.94 0.42 25.02 - 4.385 33.29 29.29 7.84 2.08 2.637B 1.04 0.99 44.27 0.118 2.534 32.07 28.29 7.89 2.09 1.588S 0.89 0.69 20.21 0.178 2.937 33.49 30.42 7.71 2.50 2.808B 1.09 1.36 32.72 0.059 3.057 31.35 30.06 7.77 2.11 2.54

Low Tide

Stations Phosphate

Nitrite Silicate

Ammonia

Nitrate

Temp.

Salinity

pH Alkalinity

D.O. (ml/l)


1)1S 0.76 0.76 16.84 0.059 3.621 32.05 29.36 7.85 1.93 3.112S 1.56 0.63 24.54 - 5.310 32.80 24.73 7.75 1.81 3.253S 0.66 0.84 25.98 - 4.224 - 27.92 7.83 1.83 2.503B 0.66 0.76 17.32 0.059 8.086 - 25.79 7.88 1.86 2.494S 0.71 0.52 19.25 - 3.701 32.20 27.22 7.80 1.88 3.204B 0.80 0.94 17.80 - 3.540 32.20 26.52 7.82 1.91 3.435S 0.80 0.88 18.77 - 7.603 31.85 27.92 7.80 1.86 1.475B 0.94 0.78 16.36 0.178 8.166 31.21 28.99 7.80 1.91 3.436S 0.99 0.65 17.80 - 7.684 - 27.22 7.60 1.86 1.477S 0.85 0.67 12.99 - 3.500 31.48 27.22 7.77 1.82 2.707B 1.23 0.86 19.25 - 5.310 31.02 28.29 7.75 1.83 3.038S 0.76 1.01 17.32 0.296 3.862 31.03 28.99 7.72 1.96 2.808B 2.03 0.92 16.36 0.118 3.500 30.80 28.29 7.76 2.06 2.60



Table 3.30Hydrochemical Parameters and Nutrients (Neap Tide)

High Tide

Stations PO4 NO2-N Silicate

NH3-N NO3-N Temp.

Salinity

pH Alkalinity

D.O. (ml/l)


1)1S 0.52 0.78 37.05 - 4.350 33.56 26.01 7.73 1.62 2.721B 0.52 0.67 38.98 - 4.950 33.80 27.21 7.68 1.66 2.692S 0.76 0.61 34.17 2.194 5.030 - 26.88 7.68 1.88 2.693S 0.61 0.69 33.20 - 3.500 33.20 27.22 7.62 1.79 2.493B 0.47 0.76 27.91 0.593 4.300 33.20 27.92 7.49 1.74 2.584S 0.66 0.67 30.32 - 6.760 33.90 28.99 7.73 1.74 2.755S 0.61 0.71 33.68 - 3.540 33.60 29.35 7.31 1.86 2.865B 0.57 0.69 41.86 - 4.020 33.75 30.76 7.46 1.92 2.366S 0.47 0.78 22.14 0.178 3.782 33.86 29.35 7.57 1.93 2.587S 0.66 0.73 18.29 0.415 4.506 32.83 30.42 7.74 2.08 2.407B 0.80 0.80 39.94 0.118 4.465 33.92 31.47 7.80 1.97 2.408S 0.66 0.52 14.92 0.178 1.850 32.50 30.7 7.55 2.06 2.698B 0.76 0.69 25.02 0.178 2.494 32.83 30.85 7.59 2.08 2.72

Low Tide

Stations PO4 NO2-N Silicate

NH3-N NO3-N Temp.

Salinity

pH Alkalinity

D.O. (ml/l)


1)1S 1.09 0.15 26.95 1.838 10.98 33.80 25.79 7.35 1.54 2.501B 1.09 0.34 37.05 - 8.81 33.33 26.52 7.38 1.51 2.452S 0.52 0.16 27.43 0.949 1.85 - 26.01 7.84 1.61 2.383S 1.23 0.16 24.06 - 6.92 33.80 27.58 7.43 1.54 2.554S 1.51 0.29 19.73 0.059 4.75 33.90 26.88 7.69 1.68 2.794B 1.18 0.27 23.10 - 5.71 33.72 27.58 7.67 1.58 2.685S 1.37 0.19 13.95 - 3.94 - 26.01 7.59 1.70 2.835B 1.51 0.21 17.80 0.059 5.63 - 27.22 7.17 1.77 2.876S 1.46 0.21 20.21 - 3.06 33.41 26.01 7.83 1.69 2.407S 1.56 0.23 18.28 - 5.43 33.86 27.22 7.50 1.81 2.377B 1.32 0.21 10.11 0.889 9.33 33.40 28.29 7.76 1.69 2.228S 1.60 0.25 16.84 3.083 4.31 33.34 29.35 7.85 1.91 2.55



3.4.3.2 Nutrient Elements :

Nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic organisms. The relative

contribution of nutrients from air, land run-off and wastewater sources can

vary significantly from one ecosystem to another. Nitrogen, phosphorus and

silicon are the most essential nutrients that control the productivity in the

aquatic systems. The incorporation of these nutrients into cells, tissues and

extra cellular structures of living organisms and regeneration of these

elements in solution will impose additional mechanisms of addition, removal

and transport on the geophysical and geochemical processes.

Phosphate

Phosphate (µmol.dm-3) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 0.57 to 0.89

(0.74) in surface waters and from 0.38 to 1.09 (0.78) in bottom waters during

high tide, whereas at low tide phosphate varied from 0.66 to 1.56 (0.83) in

surface waters and from 0.66 to 2.03 (1.13) in bottom waters at the spring tide

(Table 3.29). However, at neap tide, phosphate varied from 0.47 to 0.76

(0.62) in surface waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 0.47 to 0.8 (0.62)

during the high tide, whereas it varied from 0.52 to 1.6 (1.29) in surface waters


evident from the above that phosphate concentration was high in the bottom

waters than the surface waters during the spring tide there was not much

variation in the phosphate concentration between the surface and bottom

waters during neap tide. However phosphate registered higher concentrations

during the spring high tide when compared to neap low tide.

Nitrite

Nitrite (µmol.dm-3) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 0.42 to 0.86 (0.61) in

surface waters and from 0.42 to 0.86 (0.82) in bottom waters during high tide,

whereas at low tide phosphate varied from 0.52 to 1.01 (0.75) in surface

waters and from 0.76 to 0.94 (0.85) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29) However, at neap tide, nitrite varied from 0.52 to 0.78 (0.69) in surface



waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 0.67 to 0.8 (0.72) during the high

tide, whereas it varied from 0.15 to 0.29 (0.21) in surface waters and from

0.21 to 0.34 (0.26) in bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is evident

from the above that nitrite on average, was high in bottom waters during both,

spring tide and neap tide compared to surface waters. On the other hand,

nitrite showed high concentrations during high tide as compared to the low

tide. However, nitrite registered relative high concentrations in waters

collected at spring tide than neap tide during the study period.

Nitrate

Nitrate (µmol.dm-3) varied from 0.402 to 4.385 (2.57) in surface waters and

from 0.483 to 3.057 (2.05) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low

tide nitrate varied from 3.5 to 7.684 (4.94) in surface waters and from 3.5 to


tide, nitrate varied from 1.85 to 6.76 (4.16) in surface waters, and in bottom

waters it varied from 2.49 to 4.95 (4.05) during the high tide, whereas it varied


bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is interesting to note that surface

waters registered relatively high average concentrations of nitrate compared

to bottom waters during high tide in both spring tide and neap tide. Whereas,

bottom waters registered relative high concentrations during low tide in both

spring and neap tides during the study period. However, it registered relative

high concentrations during spring tide collection than neap tide.

Ammonia

Ammonia (µmol.dm-3) varied from 0.6 to 0.24 (0.15) in surface waters and

from 0.06 to 0.42 (0.29) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low tide

ammonia varied from 0.06 to 0.29 (0.18) in surface waters and from 0.06 to


tide, ammonia varied from 0.18 to 2.19 (0.74) in surface waters, and in bottom

waters it varied from 0.12 to 0.59 (0.29) during the high tide, whereas it varied




bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is evident from the above that

ammonia registered average high concentrations in surface waters compared

to bottom waters during spring and neap tide collection. However, it registered

relative high concentrations during neap tide collection as compared to spring

tide collection unlike nitrate and nitrite during the study period.

Silicate

Silicate (µmol.dm-3) varied from 20.21 to 37.05 (27.0) in surface waters and

from 23.09 to 46.68 (36.49) in bottom waters during high tide, whereas at low

tide silicate varied from 12.99 to 25.98 (19.19) in surface waters and from

16.36 to 19.25 (17.42) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.29) However, at neap tide, silicate varied from 14.92 to 37.05 (27.97) in surface

waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 25.02 to 41.86 (34.74) during the

high tide, whereas silicate varied from 13.95 to 27.43 (20.9) in surface waters

and from 10.11 to 37.05 (22.0) in bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.30). It is evident from the above that bottom waters in general, registered relative

high concentrations as compared to surface waters (except during low tide at

spring tide collection) during spring and neap tides. Whereas, during spring

tide collection silicate registered average high surface values compared to

bottom waters during low tide. However, water collections made during spring

tide recorded relative high concentrations of silicate as compared to neap tide

unlike ammonia, and like nitrate, nitrite during the study period.

3.4.3.3 Metals in Water

Distribution of metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb) in Cumbharzua canal in waters

are presented in Tables 3.31 and 3.32.

Iron

Iron (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 43.05 to 89.10 (61.56) in

surface waters and from 35.90 to 89.85 (63.89) in bottom waters during high

tide, whereas at low tide iron varied from 69.55 to 87.05 (76.28) in surface



waters and from 63.75 to 153.90 (115.89) in bottom waters at the spring tide

(Table 3.31). However, at neap tide iron varied from 61.20 to102.35 (83.60) in

surface waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 68.65 to 107.55 (88.55)

during the high tide. On the other hand, it varied from 25.15 to 49.90 (39.19) in

surface waters and from 31.00 to 34.95 (32.25) in bottom waters during low

tide (Table 3.32). It is evident from the above that iron showed higher average

concentrations in the bottom waters except during neap low tide. Also, iron

concentrations were higher during the low tide as compared to the high tide

during spring tide. Whereas, iron showed higher concentrations during the

high tide as compared to the low tide at the neap tide.

Manganese

Manganese (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 1.4 to 2.0 (1.60) in


whereas at low tide manganese varied from 0.6 to 4.15 (2.09) in surface

waters and from 0.73 to 8.25 (2.66) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.31). At neap tide manganese varied from 1.0 to 2.2 (1.53) in surface waters

and, in bottom waters it varied from 1.1 to 2.5 (1.95) during the high tide, on

the other hand, it varied from 1.05 to 6.25 (2.37) in surface waters and from


from the above that manganese concentration was high in bottom waters

during both, spring and neap tide except during neap low tide. Whereas at

neap tide, manganese showed higher concentrations during low tide during

the study period.

Zinc

Zinc (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 14.85 to 56.25 (35.04) in


tide, whereas, at low tide zinc varied from 19.7 to 43.1 (30.51) in surface


(Table 3.31). However, at neap tide zinc varied from 11.65 to 24.35 (19.09) in

surface waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 13.5 to 20.35 (18.20)

during the high tide, on the other hand, it varied from 13.4 to 38.55 (26.04) in



surface waters and from 17.00 to 24.25 (21.60) in bottom waters during low

tide (Table 3.32). It is evident from the above that surface waters showed

higher concentrations of zinc during both spring tide and neap tide. In general,

zinc showed higher concentrations during spring tide as compared to neap

tide.

Cadmium

Cadmium (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 1.10 to 1.9 (1.49) in


whereas at low tide cadmium varied from 0.6 to 2.9 (1.20) in surface waters

and from 0.7 to 1.15 (1.00) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.31). However, at neap tide cadmium varied from 0.55 to 1.9 (1.05) in surface

waters, and in bottom waters it varied from 0.55 to 1.05 (0.84) during the high

tide. On the other hand, it varied from 0.85 to 1.15 (0.97) in surface waters


evident from the above that cadmium concentrations are higher in the surface

waters during both the spring tide and neap tide. In general, cadmium showed

higher concentrations during the spring tide than the neap tide during the

study region.

Copper

Copper (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 7.45 to 13.9 (9.47) in


whereas at low tide copper varied from 6.7 to 10.35 (8.36) in surface waters

and from 7.45 to 10.55 (8.80) in bottom waters at the spring tide (Table 3.31). However, at neap tide copper varied from 5.5 to 8.05 (7.06) in surface waters,

and in bottom waters it varied from 5.6 to 7.85 (6.99) during the high tide. On

the other hand, it varied from 5.0 to 11.15 (7.42) in surface waters and from


from the above that the concentration of copper was higher during the spring

tide as compared to the neap tide. It is interesting to note that copper showed

relatively higher concentrations in surface waters during both spring tide and

neap tide except during spring low tide. At spring tide copper showed



relatively higher concentrations in bottom waters compared to surface waters

during low tide.

Lead

Lead (µg/l) in the Cumbharzua canal varied from 13.85 to 21.05 (16.87) in


tide, whereas at low tide lead varied from 14.45 to 17.4 (15.66) in surface


(Table 3.31). However, at neap tide lead varied from 5.3 to 16.8 (14.15) in

surface waters and in bottom waters it varied from 12.4 to 16.7 (15.32) during

the high tide. On the other hand, it varied from 15.20 to 16.8. (15.73) in

surface waters and from 13.6 to 15.75 (14.98) in bottom waters during low tide

(Table 3.32). It is interesting to note that lead showed relatively higher

concentrations in surface waters during both spring and neap tide collection of

water except during neap high tide.



Table 3.31

Elemental Concentration in Water (Spring Tide)

High TideStations Fe Mn Zn Cd Cu Pb

(µg/l) Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom1 74.55 71.95 1.45 1.80 23.40 32.35 1.10 1.00 8.30 11.95 13.85 13.302 61.20 - 1.60 - 14.85 - 1.25 - 6.25 - 15.30 -3 62.35 86.45 1.60 2.20 27.50 15.30 1.75 1.05 7.50 7.15 16.50 16.654 89.10 59.80 1.55 1.75 27.45 20.55 1.20 1.20 7.45 5.60 17.20 16.305 58.65 89.85 1.60 2.10 56.25 33.45 1.40 1.50 13.90 8.95 18.05 16.656 55.05 - 1.40 - 38.25 - 1.70 - 12.45 - 15.85 -7 48.50 39.40 1.60 1.10 45.30 28.80 1.90 1.30 11.10 7.00 17.15 16.308 43.05 35.90 2.00 1.25 47.30 24.85 1.65 2.35 8.80 7.15 21.05 20.35

Low Tide

Stations Fe Mn Zn Cd Cu Pb

(µg/l) Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom1 81.15 - 2.50 - 43.10 - 0.85 1.00 9.30 9.30 14.45 14.852 87.05 - 3.05 - 40.85 - 1.15 - 9.25 - 15.30 -3 72.45 153.30 4.15 0.73 39.50 53.25 0.90 1.00 7.15 9.25 15.85 18.004 76.30 153.90 3.25 8.25 35.80 43.40 1.15 0.70 6.75 10.55 16.50 21.005 72.75 144.65 1.30 1.65 20.35 19.65 0.90 1.10 7.90 8.80 15.25 14.456 74.75 - 0.95 - 19.70 - 0.60 - 6.70 - 14.85 -7 69.55 63.75 0.60 1.35 22.95 19.70 1.15 1.15 9.45 7.45 15.70 14.508 76.25 63.85 0.90 1.30 21.80 21.25 2.90 1.05 10.35 7.45 17.40 15.90



Table 3.32

Elemental Concentration in Water (Neap Tide)

High Tide

Stations

Fe

Mn

Zn

Cd

Cu

Pb

(µ

g/l) Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom1 61.20 68.65 1.05 1.55 18.05 18.00 1.05 0.85 6.90 5.60 15.70 16.702 63.55 - 2.20 - 11.65 - 1.00 - 5.50 - 15.75 -3 90.50 107.55 1.35 1.10 24.35 19.00 1.90 1.05 7.40 7.45 16.25 15.354 102.35 - 1.70 - 16.10 - 1.25 - 7.50 - 14.60 -5 89.85 93.45 1.05 2.20 19.95 13.50 0.70 0.95 7.85 7.85 13.15 12.406 82.90 - 1.85 - 23.75 - 1.15 - 7.80 - 5.30 -7 96.85 86.45 2.00 2.40 19.85 20.35 0.80 0.80 8.05 6.60 16.80 16.508 81.60 86.65 1.00 2.50 19.00 20.15 0.55 0.55 5.50 7.45 15.65 15.65

Low Tide

Stations Fe

Mn

Zn

Cd

Cu

Pb

(µg/l) Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface Bottom1 35.25 31.45 1.25 1.30 29.80 23.60 0.85 0.70 6.40 6.75 15.65 15.752 36.45 - 1.75 - 22.05 - 0.95 - 5.30 - 15.50 -3 37.75 - 1.05 - 18.80 - 0.90 - 5.65 - 15.45 -4 49.90 31.00 6.25 0.85 31.90 17.00 1.05 0.70 8.20 7.95 16.80 15.305 41.05 34.95 1.90 2.55 29.70 21.55 1.15 0.60 7.85 8.00 15.30 13.606 25.15 - 2.65 - 13.40 0.95 5.00 - 15.20 -7 45.45 31.60 2.50 2.45 38.55 24.25 1.00 0.85 11.15 6.60 16.20 15.258 42.55 - 1.60 - 24.10 - 0.90 - 9.80 - 15.70 -



3.4.4 BIOLOGICAL STUDY

Several ecological processes determine the distribution, abundance and

production of benthic organisms. Analysis of complex interrelationships among

the benthic organisms of estuarine waters has focused on identification of

species and their distributions within waters. Here, we have examined the

characteristics of the diversity of benthic fauna and flora that inhabit at the

study site. In the study area, there is hectic activity of barge and boat traffic to

Marmugoa harbour through the Zuari river especially during the monsoon

months due to the formation of shoals in the entrance of Aguada Bay within

the Mandovi estuary. Such activities might cause measurable quantity of

spillage of various pollutants, there by altering the water quality and

complexity of habitat of the study area.

3.4.4.1 Chlorophyll a, b, c and plant carotenoids

The data obtained on chlorophyll a, b, c and plant carotenoids for spring and

neap tide are presented in Tables 3.33 and 3.34.

Chlorophyll a

Chlorophyll a (mg/m3) in the Cumbharzua canal at spring tide varies from 1.19

to 2.84 (2.126) in surface waters and from 0.76 to 2.48 (1.23) in bottom waters

during high tide. Whereas during low tide, it varied from 2.64 to 6.21 (4.43) in

surface waters and from 2.15 to 6.26(2.31) in bottom waters (Tables 3.33). On

the other hand, at neap tide it varied from 1.891 to 6.846 (4.54) in surface

waters and from 2.234 to 5.671 (2.66) in bottom waters during high tide.

Whereas, it varied from 0.564 to 2.027(4.535) in surface waters and from

0.414 to 2.153(2.663) in bottom waters during low tide (Tables 3.34). It is

evident from the above that the chlorophyll a concentration is higher in the

surface waters when compared with the bottom waters. Chlorophyll a

recorded high average concentration during neap than during spring tide.



Chlorophyll b

Chlorophyll b (mg/m3) in the Cumbharzua canal at spring tide varies from 0.35

to 1.79 (0.844) in surface waters and from 0.004 to 1.19 (0.175) in bottom

waters during high tide. Whereas, during low tide, it varied from 0.1 to 2.18

(0.513) in surface waters and from 0.16 to 0.95 (0.227) in bottom waters

(Table 3.33). On the other hand, at neap tide, it varied from 0.753 to 1.483


during high tide. Whereas, during low tide, it varied from 0.015 to 0.221


(Table 3.34). It is evident from the above that the chlorophyll b concentration

is higher in the surface waters except during neap low tide. Whereas, during

low tide at neap tide collection of water, bottom waters registered higher

values compared to surface waters. Chlorophyll b showed high concentration

during neap high and low except at surface waters during low tide.

Chlorophyll c

Chlorophyll c (mg/m3) in the Cumbharzua canal at spring tide varies from 0.38

to 4.78 (1.797) in surface waters and from 0.18 to 1.92 (0.143) in bottom

waters during high tide. Whereas, during low tide, it varied from 0.68 to 3.48


(Table 3.33). On the other hand at neap tide it varied from 1.028 to 2.148


during high tide. Whereas, during low tide it varied from 0.157 to 0.398


(Table 3.34). It is evident from the above that the chlorophyll c concentration

is higher in the surface waters compared to bottom waters during spring and

neap tide collections. Chlorophyll c showed high concentration during spring

high tide and neap low tide when compared to neap high tide and spring low

tide respectively.



Plant carotenoids

Plant carotenoids (mg/m3) in the Cumbharzua canal at spring tide varies from

0.05 to 0.21 (0.143) in surface waters and from 0.06 to 0.35 (0.124) in bottom

waters during high tide. Whereas during low tide it varied from 0.03 to 0.57


(Table 3.33). On the other hand, at neap tide it varied from 1.076 to 4.207


during high tide. Whereas during low tide it varied from 0.448 to 1.405 (1.061)

in surface waters and it varied from 0.325 to 1.772 (0.596) in bottom waters

(Table 3.34). It is interesting to note that samples collected at neap tide

showed relative high concentration of plant carotenoids as compared to spring

tide. In general, surface values are registered as high average values

compared to bottom waters.

Table 3.33 Chlorophyll and Plant Carotenoids (Spring Tide)

High TideStations Levels 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Chlorophyll-aSurface 2.152 2.05 2.75 2.805 1.365 2.84 1.194 1.859Bottom 2.476 - 2.453 1.692 1.311 - 1.1361 0.756

Chlorophyll-bSurface 0.634 0.46 0.402 1.659 0.348 1.068 0.4 1.786Bottom 0.002 - 1.194 0.0269 - 0.066 0.102 0.009

Chlorophyll-cSurface 1.238 1.045 1.092 2.538 1.423 1.89 0.376 4.779Bottom 0.592 - 1.923 0.498 0.201 - 0.386 0.176

Plant Carotenoides Surface 0.121 0.147 0.197 0.0465 0.21 0.171 0.067 0.191 Bottom 0.248 - 0.056 0.352 0.163 - 0.106 0.071

Low TideStations Levels 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Chlorophyll-a Surface 2.967 4.741 2.64 5.389 5.484 6.206 2.824 5.191 Bottom - - 6.261 - 5.349 - 4.742 2.148Chlorophyll-b Surface 0.121 0.301 0.104 0.347 0.109 0.0044 0.942 2.18 Bottom - - 0.162 - 0.514 - 0.195 0.946Chlorophyll-c Surface 0.695 1.251 0.682 1.44 1.176 1.309 1.62 3.483 Bottom - - 1.278 - 1.375 - 1.036 1.442Plant Carotenoids Surface 0.299 0.334 0.191 0.395 0.479 0.568 0.19 0.026

Bottom - - 0.572 - 0.375 - 0.406 0.042



Table 3.34

Chlorophyll and Plant Carotenoids (Neap Tide) High Tide

Stations Levels 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Chlorophyll-a Surface 1.891 5.200 3.119 4.584 4.304 6.025 4.314 6.846 Bottom - - 4.195 4.344 5.671 - 2.234 4.868Chlorophyll-b Surface 0.753 0.821 1.256 0.853 1.483 1.012 0.953 1.098 Bottom - - 0.829 0.883 4.232 - 1.001 2.465Chlorophyll-c Surface 1.028 1.574 1.725 1.561 2.148 1.910 1.656 2.120 Bottom - - 1.411 1.498 5.052 - 1.376 3.655Plant Carotenoids Surface 1.076 3.293 1.451 3.206 2.201 3.946 2.803 4.207 Bottom - - 2.504 2.579 0.569 - 0.996 3.784Low Tide

Stations Levels 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Chlorophyll-a Surface 0.618 1.987 0.564 1.863 1.444 1.444 1.445 2.027 Bottom 0.414 - - 2.153 2.149 - 1.434 -Chlorophyll-b Surface 0.221 0.015 0.080 0.140 0.078 0.078 0.086 0.016 Bottom 0.063 - - 0.352 0.040 - 0.074 -Chlorophyll-c Surface 0.316 0.262 0.157 0.398 0.271 0.271 0.267 0.271 Bottom 0.125 - - 0.689 0.325 - 0.260 -Plant Carotenoids Surface 0.448 1.405 0.484 1.393 1.155 1.155 1.137 1.312 Bottom 0.325 - - 1.533 1.772 - 1.144 -

3.4.4.2 Phytoplankton Density

The data obtained on phytoplankton density for spring and neap tide are

presented in Tables 3.35 and 3.36. During spring tide, phytoplankton

population represented about six species, which included Volvox sp.,

Coscinodiscus sp., Tintinopsis sp., Bidulphia sp., Hemidiscus sp., and

Rhizosolenia sp. During high tide, the surface and bottom samples showed

the abundance of Coscinodiscus sp. (18000 and 29333) respectively. During

low tide the surface and bottom samples showed same abundance (34666) of

Coscinodiscus sp. (Table 3.35). However, during neap tide, phytoplankton

population represented about seven species, which included Volvox sp.,

Coscinodiscus sp., Tintinopsis sp., Bidulphia sp., Hemidiscus sp., Dytilum sp.

and Rhizosolenia sp. During high tide, the surface and bottom samples

showed the abundance of Coscinodiscus sp. (36000 and 24000) respectively.

During low tide the surface and bottom samples showed the abundance of

Coscinodiscus sp. (29333 and 12000) respectively (Table 3.36). It is evident

from the above data that Coscinodiscus sp. is more abundant in the study

region.



Table 3.35

Phytoplankton Density (Spring Tide)density= no. / litreHigh Tide

Phytoplankton Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Volvox sp. Surface 5333 2666 3333 3333 6666 7333 4000 13333

Bottom 2666 - 14000 - 9333 - 10666 5333

Coscinodiscus sp. Surface 12666 5333 12000 9333 14000 1333 14000 18000

Bottom 6666 - 26666 - 29333 - 22666 15333

Tintinopsis sp. Surface - 1333 1333 - 666 666 1333 2666

Bottom 2666 - 5333 - 2000 - 5333 -

Bidulphia sp. Surface - 666 - - - - 666 -

Bottom - - - - - - - 666

Hemidiscus sp. Surface - - - - - - - -

Bottom - - - - 666 - 666 -

Rhizosolenia sp. Surface 666 - - - - - -

Bottom - - - - - - - 2000

Low Tide


Volvox sp. Surface 1333 - 2666 2666 7333 5333 10666 5333

Bottom 5333 - - 4000 4000 - 6000 -

Coscinodiscus sp. Surface 5333 - 6666 21333 26666 34666 28000 24000

Bottom 21333 - - 30666 34666 - 14000 -

Tintinopsis sp. Surface 666 - 666 666 1333 - 666 666

Bottom 1333 - - 1333 2000 - 2000 -

Bidulphia sp. Surface - - 666 - 666 - - -

Bottom - - - - - - - -

Hemidiscus sp. Surface - - - - 666 1333 - -

Bottom - - - - - - 666 -

Rhizosolenia sp. Surface - - - - - - - 666

Bottom - - - - - - - -



Table 3.36

Phytoplankton Density (Neap Tide)density= no. / litreHigh Tide


Volvox sp. Surface 10666 - 5333 - 4666 8000 4666 2000

Bottom 12000 14000 2666 4000 - 2000 3333 3333

Coscinodiscus sp. Surface 36000 - - - 7333 24000 5333 6000

Bottom 16000 24000 10666 10000 - 10000 2666 866

Tintinopsis sp. Surface 1333 - - - 666 - - 1333

Bottom 5333 1333 1333 3333 - 2000 - -

Bidulphia sp. Surface - - - - - - - -

Bottom 666 - - - - - - -

Hemidiscus sp. Surface - - 4666 - - - - -

Bottom - - - - - - 4666 2666

Rhizosolenia sp. Surface 1333 - - - 1333 1333 - -

Bottom - - 3333 - - - - -

Dytilum sp. Surface - - - - - 666 - -

Bottom - - - - - - - -

Low Tide


Volvox sp. Surface 666 3333 5333 4666 9333 7333 533 6000

Bottom - - 10000 12000 4666 - - 12000

Coscinodiscus sp. Surface 17333 14666 3333 14666 29333 16000 10666 7333

Bottom - - 10666 3333 12000 - 7333 3333

Tintinopsis sp. Surface 666 1333 - 1333 2000 666 1333 2000

Bottom - - 1333 - 1333 - - 2000

Bidulphia sp. Surface - - - - - - - -

Bottom - - - - - - - -

Hemidiscus sp. Surface - - - - 666 - - -

Bottom - - - - - - - -

Rhizosolenia sp. Surface 5333 - - - - - - -

Bottom - - - - - - - 666



Phytoplankton Diversity

The data obtained on phytoplankton diversity for spring and neap tide are

presented in Tables 3.37 and 3.38. During spring tide the surface samples

showed variation from 0.63 to 0.79 and bottom samples showed variation from

0.65 to 0.78 for the high tide collections. Whereas, during low tide the surface

samples showed variations from 0.43 to 0.73 and bottom samples showed

variations from 0.60 to 0.71 (Table 3.37). On the other hand, during neap tide

the surface samples showed variation from 0.75 to 1.15 and bottom samples

showed variation from 0.01 to 1.23 for the high tide collections. Whereas,

during the low tide collections the surface samples showed variations from

0.57 to 1.19 and bottom samples showed variations from 0.82 to 1.06 (Table 3.38). It is evident from the above that spring tide and neap tide showed

diversity of phytoplankton.

Table 3.37

Phytoplankton Diversity (Spring Tide)

Shannon- weaver index=-sum(pi)*log(pi)pi=density/total count

High Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shannon-Weaver Index Surface 0.629 - 0.792 - 0.767 0.644 0.722 0.688Shannon - Weaver Index Bottom 0.774 0.653 0.777 0.723 - 0.646 0.766 0.651

Low Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shannon-Weaver Index Surface 0.434 0.604 0.577 0.607 0.645 0.615 0.673 0.729Shannon - Weaver Index Bottom - - 0.68 0.665 0.654 - 0.598 0.713



Table 3.38

Phytoplankton Diversity (Neap Tide)

High Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shannon-Weaver Index Surface 0.865 - 1.1473 - 1.093 0.8655 0.75302 1.075914Shannon - Weaver Index Bottom 0.9481 0.0114 1.065 1.146 - 1.0019 1.23192 1.120412

Low Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shannon-Weaver Index Surface 0.5675 0.907 1.095 0.914 0.848 0.8362 0.85239 1.191067Shannon-Weaver Index Bottom 0.8968 - 1.0595 1.039 0.818 - - 1.00798

3.4.4.3 Particulate organic carbon

The data obtained on Particulate organic carbon for spring and neap tide are

presented in Tables 3.39 and 3.40. Particulate organic carbon (mg/lit) in the

Cumbharzua canal at spring tide varies from 0.60 to 1.14 (0.755) in surface

waters and from 0.37 to 0.88 (0.595) in bottom waters during high tide.

Whereas, during low tide, it varied from 0.13 to 0.43 (0.247) in surface waters

and from 0.101 to 0.35(0.190) in bottom waters (Table 3.39). On the other

hand, at neap tide it varied from 0.57 to 1.12 (0.715) in surface waters and

from 0.35 to 0.85 (0.576) in bottom waters during high tide. Whereas, it varied


bottom waters during low tide (Table 3.40). It is evident from the above that

particulate organic carbon concentration is higher in the surface waters when

compared with the bottom waters. However, the samples collected at spring

tide show relatively higher values than samples collected at neap tide.



Table 3.39

Particulate Organic Carbon - (Spring Tide)

High Tide (mg/lit)Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Surface 0.6 0.62 0.63 0.65 0.66 0.73 1.01 1.14Bottom 0.37 - 0.46 0.51 0.54 - 0.81 0.88

Low Tide (mg/lit)Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Surface 0.15 0.13 0.15 0.18 0.21 0.33 0.4 0.43Bottom - - 0.101 0.11 0.15 - 0.24 0.35

Table 3.40Particulate Organic Carbon - (Neap Tide)

High Tide (mg/lit)Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Surface 0.58 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.57 0.61 1.01 1.12Bottom 0.35 - 0.43 0.5 0.54 - 0.79 0.85

Low Tide (mg/lit)Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Surface 0.1 0.11 0.13 0.16 0.19 0.33 0.43 0.41Bottom 0.06 - - 0.1 0.15 - 0.4 -

3.4.4.4 Zooplankton Biomass

The wet weight data obtained on zooplankton biomass for spring and neap

tide are presented in Tables 3.41 and 3.42. At spring tide, it showed variations

from 1.9 to 2.65 during high tide and low tide collections showed variations

from 1.8 to 2.08 (Table 3.41). Where as, at neap tide the collection showed

variations from 1.81 to 1.97 during high tide and low tide collections showed

variations from 1.82 to 2.13 (Table 3.42). It is evident from the above that

samples collected during Spring tide and neap tide did not show much

variation.

Table 3.41



Zooplankton Biomass (Spring Tide)

using wet weight method in gms

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Zooplankton Biomass - - - 1.9 2.6468 - - 1.912

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Zooplankton Biomass 1.84 - 1.834 2.079 - - 1.9132 1.8

Table 3.42Zooplankton Biomass (Neap Tide)

using wet weight method in gms


Zooplankton Biomass - 1.94 1.85 - 1.91 1.86 1.81 1.97


Zooplankton Biomass1. 87 - 2.13 1.89 1.82 - 2.03 2.03

Zooplankton Density

The data obtained on zooplankton density for spring and neap tide are

presented in Tables 3.43 and 3.44. During spring tide, zooplankton population

represented about fourteen species, which included Brachyuran larvae,

Nauplii, Psuedodiaptomus sp., Zoea, Decapoda larvae, Copepoda, Lucifer

sp., Acartia sp., Euphausids Oikopleura sp., Palaemon pacificus, Mysis,

Labidocera and Chaetognatha. During high tide, samples showed the

abundance of Brachyuran larva and Copepod. (55 and 15 respectively),

whereas during low tide the samples showed the abundance of Brachyuran

larvae and Euphausids (30 and 25 respectively) (Table 3.43). Zooplankton

species identified during Neap tide were similar to the ones identified during

Spring tide. During high tide, samples showed the abundance of Copepoda

(20) where as, during low tide the samples showed the abundance of

Copepoda and Euphausids (15 and 25 respectively). Along with these, few



others which are abundant are Nauplii and Lucifer sp (Table 3.44). It is

evident from the above data that Copepoda is more abundant in the study

region.

Table 3.43


Major Groups and Density of Zooplankton (Spring Tide)

density = no. /litre

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Brachyuran larvae - - - - 55 - 5 15Nauplii - - - - - - - 5Psuedodiaptomus sp. - - - - - - 15 -Zoea - - - - 5 - - -Decapoda larvae - - - - - - - -Copepoda - - - - 15 - 10 10Lucifer sp. - - - - 5 - - -Acartia sp. - - - - - - - 5Euphausids - - - 15 5 - - -Oikopleura sp. - - - - 10 - 5 -Palaemon pacificus - - - - - - - -Mysis - - - - 5 - - 5Labidocera - - - - - - - -Chaetognatha - - - - 5 - - -

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Brachyuran larvae - - - - - - 30 5Nauplii - - - - 5 - 15 -Psuedodiaptomus sp. - - - - - - - -Zoea - - - - - - - -Decapoda larvae 5 - - - - - - 5Copepoda 10 - 5 10 - - 15 15Lucifer sp. 5 - 5 - 5 - 15 10Acartia sp. 5 - - 5 - - - -Euphausids 20 - 5 - - - 25 -Oikopleura sp. - - 5 - - - 10 -Palaemon pacificus - - 10 - - - - -Mysis - - - - - - - -Labidocera - - - - - - - -Chaetognatha - - 5 - - - - 5


Table 3.44

Major Groups and Density of Zooplankton (Neap Tide)

density= no. / litre

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Brachyuran larvae - 15 5 - 5 5 - -Nauplii - 15 - - - - - 10Psuedodiaptomus sp. - 10 - - 5 - - 5Zoea - 5 - - - 5 - -Decapoda larvae - - - - 5 - - -Copepoda - 20 5 - - 5 -Lucifer sp. - - - 5 - 15 -Acartia sp. - 5 10 - 5 - -Euphausids - 10 5 - 5 - -Oikopleura sp. - 10 5 - 5 - 5 -Palaemon pacificus - - - - 5 - - -Mysis - 5 - - - - - -Labidocera - - - - 5 - - -Chaetognatha - - - - - - - -

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Brachyuran larvae - - - - - - 30 5Nauplii - - - - 5 - 15 -Psuedodiaptomus sp. - - - - - - - -Zoea - - - - - - - -Decapoda larvae 5 - - - - - - 5Copepoda 10 - 5 10 - - 15 15Lucifer sp. 5 - 5 - 5 - 15 10Acartia sp. 5 - - 5 - - - -Euphausids 20 - 5 - - - 25 -Oikopleura sp. - - 5 - - - 10 -Palaemon pacificus - - 10 - - - - -Mysis - - - - - - - -Labidocera - - - - - - - -Chaetognatha - - 5 - - - - 5

Zooplankton Diversity

The data obtained on zooplankton diversity for spring and neap tide are

presented in Tables 3.45 and 3.46. During spring tide the samples showed

variation from 0.31 to 0.7 for high tide and 0.35 to 0.78 for low tide (Table 3.45). However, during neap tide the samples showed variation from 0.84 to

2.21 for the high tide and 0.67to 1.25 for low tide (Table 3.46). It is interesting



to note that samples collected during neap tide showed more diversity than

spring tide.

Table 3.45

Zooplankton Diversity (Spring Tide)

Shannon- Weaver Index=-sum(pi)*log(pi)pi=density/total count

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shanon-Weaver Index - - - 0.3055 0.4511 - - 0.7


Shanon-Weaver Index 0.71 - 0.6553 0.3524 - - 0.5863 0.78

Table 3.46

Zooplankton Diversity (Neap Tide)

Shanon - Weaver Index=-sum(pi)*log(pi)pi=density/total count

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shanon-Weaver Index - 1.3847 1.6566 - 2.2095 0.8368 0.9031 0.853899

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Shanon-Weaver Index 0.6689 - 0.6814 0.7895 0.9031 - 1.2548 1.191389

3.4.4.5 Benthic Fauna

Macrobenthic composition and density

The data obtained on macrobenthic composition and density for spring and

neap tide are presented in Tables 3.47 and 3.48. During spring tide (Tables 3.47), macrobenthic population represented about eight groups, which

included Gastropods, Bivalves, Polycheates, Isopod, Copepod, Crab, Shrimp

and Foraminifera. During high tide and low tide, samples showed the



abundance of Gastropods (41 and 7 respectively). Similar eight species were

seen during neap tide, however, (Table 3.48) the most predominant species

during high tide and low tide are the Gastropods (196 and 84 respectively). It

is evident from the above that Gastropods are more abundant in both spring

and neap tide.

Table 3.47

Macrobenthic Composition and Density (Spring Tide)


Mollusca Gastropods 8 25 16 1 - 41 1 30Bivalves 2 2 - - - - 1 4

AnnelidsPolychaete worms

4 2 - 6 - - 3 2

CrustaceansIsopod - - - 4 - - - 1Copepod - - - 2 - - - 1Crab - - - - - - - 1Shrimp - - - 2 - - - -Foraminifera 1 - - - - - - -


Mollusca Gastropods 2 2 4 - - - 2 7Bivalves 4 - - - - - - 6


1 1 1 4 - - 5 3

CrustaceansIsopod - 1 - - - - - 2Copepod 1 - 1 - - - 1 1Shrimp 1 - - 5 - - - 2



Table 3.48

Macrobenthic Composition and Density (Neap Tide)


Mollusca Gastropods 123 - 8 4 36 196 - 4Bivalves 9 - 2 1 3 4 - 1


12 5 - 6 - 2 15 1

CrustaceansIsopod - - - 3 - - - -Copepod - - - 2 - - - 1Crab - - - - - - - 1

Low Tide

Stations1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mollusca Gastropods 84 - 51 2 4 18 2 20Bivalves 16 1 8 - 4 30 1 18


25 12 7 7 9 2 - -

CrustaceansIsopod - - - - 7 - - -Copepod - - - 10 2 - - 1Shrimp - - - - 3 - 1 1

Meiobenthic composition and density

The data obtained on meiobenthic composition and density for spring and

neap tide are presented in Tables 3.49 and 3.50. During spring tide (Table 3.49), meiobenthic population represented about thirteen groups, which

included Nematodes, Polycheates, Oligocheates, kinorhyncha, Isopode,

Copepode, Amphipode, Cumacea, Ostracoda, Tardegarda, Turbullaria,



Foraminifera and fish egg. During high tide and low tide of spring tide,

samples showed the abundance of Nematodes (528 and 640 respectively).

Similar thirteen groups were seen during Neap tide (Table 3.50), as also

Neatools were observed to be most in abundance.

Table - 3.49

Meiobenthic Composition and Density (Spring Tide)

High Tide

Stations1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Nematode 20 101 71 528 264 41 172 20Polycheate - - 61 325 101 20 122 71Oligocheate - - - 61 - - 20 -Kinorhyncha - - - 71 - - - -Isopode - - 71 61 - - - -Copepode - - - - - - 10 -Amphipode - - - 101 10 - - -Cumacea - - - 10 - - - -Ostracoda - 51 - 41 - - 10 20Tardegarde - - - - 30 - 20 -Turbullaria - - - 112 20 - 20 20Foraminifera - 41 - 183 41 51 345 20Fish egg - - - - - - 10 -

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Nematode 101 173 244 640 - 71 274 71Polycheate - - 61 325 101 20 122 71Oligocheate 10 - 20 112 - - 51 -Kinorhyncha - - - 51 - - 51 -Isopode 61 51 30 20 - - - -Copepode 51 61 20 30 - - 10 -Amphipode 20 30 10 10 - - 10 -Cumacea 10 10 30 - - - - -Ostracoda 20 51 41 20 - - - -Tardegarde 10 30 - 41 - - - -Turbullaria - - - 51 - - - -Foraminifera 30 71 30 - - 10 101 41Fish egg - - 30 20 - - 20 -



Table 3.50

Meiobenthic Composition and Density (Neap Tide)

High TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Nematode 41 105 - 20 152 51 51 71Polycheate 81 81 - 20 101 30 41 41Oligocheate - - - - 41 30 - 10Kinorhyncha - - - - - - - -Isopode 10 20 - - 10 - - -Copepode 10 20 - - - 20 - -Amphipode 10 20 - - - - - -Cumacea - - - - - - - -Ostracoda 10 10 - 20 - - - 10Tardegarde 20 10 - - - - - -Turbullaria 20 10 - - - - - -Foraminifera 41 30 - 10 10 41 30 20Fish egg 10 10 - - 10 30 - -

Low TideStations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Nematode 10 81 20 254 51 12 41 41Polycheate 20 51 40 193 51 71 213 91Oligocheate - 10 - 10 - 10 30 10Kinorhyncha - - - 10 - - - -Isopode 30 30 10 - - - 10 -Copepode - 10 10 - 10 - - -Amphipode 10 20 10 10 10 - 10 20Cumacea - - - - - 10 - -Ostracoda 30 61 41 - - - 10 -Tardegarde - - - - - - 10 -Turbullaria - - - 20 - - - -Foraminifera 41 51 41 71 132 91 41 10Fish egg 10 30 - 20 - 10 - 10

Composition and density of Benthic fish fauna

The data obtained on composition and density of Benthic fish fauna for spring

and neap tide are presented in Tables 3.51 and 3.52. During spring tide, the

fish population represented about ten groups, which includes Green-Black

Mullet, White-spotted Spine foot, Banded Etroplus, Commerson’s Glassy

Perchlet, Spotted Butter fish, Estuarine Blow fish, Short-Nose Gizard Shad,

Blue-Backed Silver-Biddy, Black Sweetlip and Prawn. Among these the most



abundant was White-spotted Spine foot (Siganus oramin or Amphacanthus

gultatus) whose density was 21 (Table 3.51). Whereas, during neap tide, the

fish population represented about fourteen groups, which included Green-

Black Mullet, White-spotted Spine foot, Banded Etroplus, Commerson’s

Glassy Perchlet, Short-Nose Gizard Shad, Black Sweetlip, Indian Shad, Lady

fish, Short-Nosed pony fish, Bony jew fish, River cat-fish, Lophodiodon sp.,

Crab, and Prawn. Among these the most abundant was Prawn (Metapenus

sp.), whose density was 183 (Table 3.52). It is evident from the above that in

spring tide collections White-spotted Spine foot (Siganus oramin or

Amphacanthus gultatus) is abundant. The Prawn, Metapenus sp. is dominant

during neap tide collection.

Table - 3.51

Composition and Density of Benthic fish fauna (Spring Tide)

GroupDensity

Green-Black Mullet (Liza tade or Mugil tade) 7

White-spotted Spine foot (Siganus oramin or Amphacanthus gultatus) 21

Banded Etroplus (Etroplus suritensis or Chaetodon suritensis) 1

Commerson’s Glassy Perchlet (Ambassis commersoni) 1

Spotted Butter fish (Scatophagus argus or Chaetodon argus) 8

Estuarine Blow fish (Chelonodon fluviatilis or Tetrodon fluviatilis) 2

Short-Nose Gizard Shad (Anodontostoma chacunda or Clupanodon chacunda) 1

Blue-Backed Silver-Biddy (Gerres abbreviatus) 4

Black Sweetlip (Pseudopristipoma nigra or Pristipoma nigrum) 1

Prawn (Metapenus sp.) 3



Table – 3.52

Composition and Density of Benthic fauna (Neap Tide)

Group DensityGreen-Black Mullet (Liza tade or Mugil tade) 10

White-spotted Spine foot (Siganus oramin or Amphacanthus gultatus) 2

Commerson’s Glassy Perchlet (Ambassis commersoni) 6

Short-Nose Gizard Shad (Anodontostoma chacunda or Clupanodon chacunda) 20

Black Sweet lip (Pseudopristipoma nigra or Pristipoma nigrum) 1

Indian Shad (Euplatygaster indica or Plalygaster indicum swainson) 6

Lady fish (Albula valpus linnaeus) 2

Short-Nosed pony fish (Leiognathus brevirostris orEquvla breviristris) 16

Bony jew fish (Johnius osseus or Seiaena osseus) 5

River cat-fish (Pseudaris jatius or Pimelodus jatius) 7

Lophodiodon sp.1

Crab (Scylla serrata) 2

Crab (Dorippe astute) 2

Prawn (Metapenus sp.) 183

3.4.4.6 Bacterial Population

The data obtained on Bacterial composition for neap tide is presented in

Table 3.53. The study was carried out only for neap tide. The total viable

count for the high tide varied from 55 x 106 to 287 x 106 whereas, for low tide it

varied from 15 x 106 to 73 x 106 for water samples. The total viable count for

the high tide varied from 32 x 107 to 143 x 107 whereas, for low tide it varied

from 62 x 107 to 289 x 107 for sediments samples. It is evident from the above

that during high tide the total viable count in the water samples is higher than

low tide samples. However, incase of sediment samples total viable count is

higher during low tide.



Table - 3.53

3.4.4.7 Validatory Sampling-Summer 2007

Validatory sampling for Summer 2007 was conducted by engaging

Department of Marine Sciences, Goa University, with following objectives :

a) Objectives of the Study :

To evaluate ecological status of Cumbarjua Canal

To find whether continued effluent discharge from Syngenta has

adversely affected aquatic ecology of Canal

To find out changes in the last two years as a confirmation to the

studies carried out in 2005

b) SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The detailed scope of study is given below:

Collection of water samples from cambharjua canal during spring and

Neap tides.

Analyse sediment samples for physicochemical characteristics such as

grain size, pH, organic carbon and heavy metals like Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu,

Pb, Cd to ascertain sediment composition at the site.

Analyse surface and subsurface water samples for physics-chemical

characteristics, nutrients and heavy metals.( Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd)

Collect sediments and analyze for meiobenthic fauna (density and

diversity), macro benthic fauna (density and diversity) and benthic fish

fauna.

Analyse for microbiological activity and primary productivity, planktons

distribution (phyto and zoo planktons and density of flora and fauna in


Bacterial Population (Neap Tide)

Total viable count for Water = no.of colonies*106/ mlTotal viable count for Sediment = no. of colonies*107 / 1gm wet weight

High Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Total Viable Count Water 287 60 84 55 98 210 93 94 Sediment 140 32 62 63 143 43 33 15

Low Tide Stations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Total Viable Count Water 65 44 32 42 73 60 42 37 Sediment 118 286 62 107 289 63 98 121


marine environment including shell fish, algae). From existing and

past record of commercial fishing, comment on fisheries status and

presence of fish spawning grounds etc.

Identify existence of endangered species, if any

c) Approach strategy :

To fulfill the scope of the study, four sets of collection was undertaken,

representing High Tide and Low Tide of Spring Tide and High Tide and Low

Tide of Neap Tide. Various parameters analysed are grouped under

geological, chemical and biological studies to understand various aspects of

aquatic environment under study.

d) Observations and Conclusions Summer 2007 study :

The physico-chemical parameters and metal concentration in water,

sedimentological and geo-chemical parameters of sediments and ecological

parameters of biological components studied for high and low tide

representing both spring and neap tide during Summer 2007 largely similar to

those studied during Summer 2005. This indicates that over last two years

there is not much change in any of these parameters and health of the

estuary. Further based on the range of values obtained for the various

parameters studied representing water, sediment and associated biota during

spring-high and low and also neap high and low it is stated that the study

stretch of Cumbarjua canal maintains ecologically healthier condition.

3.5 Biological Environment (Terrestrial) : (Study conducted by department of Botany, Goa University)

3.5.1 Introduction

Industrial development is an important parameter in ascertaining the growth of

a country. However, the industrial growth also comes with certain undesirable

effects on the ecology of the area. Degradation of habitats and disappearance

of vegetation are two of these visible effects. Hence, it becomes mandatory to



analyse the flora and fauna of these habitats to monitor the effect of

industries. In the present study, a rapid one time assessment of flora in 10 km

radius around Cumbharzua canal has been undertaken with the following

objectives:

3.5.2 Objectives:

1 To list the species present in the study area.

2 To find out the vegetation types.

3 To find out the canopy cover density.

4 To compile the list of avifauna in the study area based on secondary

sources and to supplement with our observations.

3.5.3 Reconnaissance :

The toposheet shows several distinct features in the study area. Important

land forms are cultivated fields which are generally barren in summer, mud

flats often inundated with water, Kazhan lands (reclaimed areas for paddy

cultivation), lakes, mangroves, hillocks covered with vegetation (scrubs, dense

scrubs, mixed jungles with cashew), settlements and mines. The hillocks form

undulating terrain with a maximum altitude of 374 m. Some of the important

lakes with avifauna diversity are Karmali, Pilar and Syngenta (within the

industry premises).

3.5.4 METHODOLOGY

The toposheet was studied to acquaint with various features of the area. A

reconnaissance survey was conducted to evaluate the ground situation and to

channelise the resources. Subsequently study trips were carried out covering

the entire area systematically. Map of the study area and False Color

Composite (LISS III image) were used to mark the habitat and vegetation

type.

Every identified habitat / vegetation type was surveyed by taking traverses

and the plants were identified in the field and noted down. The plants that

could not be identified in the field were brought to laboratory and identified



with the help of local flora (Rao 1985-86) and by comparing with herbarium

specimens. Even the major plants grown in the settlements were noted down.

In all these cases emphasis was laid on tree and shrub species. The

economic uses gathered in the field were supplemented with information from

secondary sources. The endemic plants were identified based on Ahmedullah

and Nayar (1986) and Nayar (1996).

The canopy cover density was carried out wherever tree strands were

available. Though it was decided to work out canopy cover density only for the

natural forest strands due to absence of virgin forests it has been extended to

tree strands that are degraded or planted with cashew or any other plant.

However, coconut and arecanut plantations were not covered for working out

the density. The traverses for canopy cover density was made along the

slopes of Kadamba plateau, Curca, Keri hills, Cuncoliem and Kundaim

plateau. Digital photographs of the canopy were shot from the forest floor

using wide angle lens, converted the images into 1 bit bitmap images and print

out of these images were used for calculating the canopy cover density. Grids

printed on OHP transparency sheets were used for calculating the canopy

cover density by counting the grids for presence or absence of canopy.

Canopy cover density is expressed in percentage.

List of avifauna of the study area was prepared based on personal chance

sightings during the field study or compiled from secondary sources.

3.5.5 OBSERVATIONS:

The study area contains several landscape elements such as rivers and

canals, lakes, swamps with stunted mangroves or without significant

vegetation, salt pans, mud flats, Kazhan lands, fields, mangroves, islands

(with one or more landscape elements within them), coconut groves, mining

areas, hillocks with various recognisable elements such as hard lateritic

barren areas, scrub vegetation, mixed forests, cashew plantations, etc. within

them. The landscape elements based on vegetation type is very difficult to

classify due to various reasons. The important reasons are: 1) the landscape



is heterogeneous showing continuous variability in its physiognomy, 2) the

natural vegetation is not existing any more except in mangroves, 3) cashew is

planted in most of these vegetated areas, 4) the proportion of cashew or any

other cultivated plant (teak, bamboo, pineapple, coconut etc.) in these forest

areas are also uneven and 5) degradation of vegetation with mixed

plantations. However, the vegetation can be generally classified into five

types. They are: a) Mangroves, b) Scrub, c) Mixed forests (of moist deciduous

type), 4) vegetation around and within settlements and 5) Plantations.

Mangroves: The mangroves are distributed along the Mandovi, the Zuari,

Kumbharjua canal and Mapusa river. Mangroves in Chorao forms probably

the largest patch in Goa with good tree strand. This area has been declared

as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary by the Government of Goa. Mangroves form small

to large patches throughout the water course of the study area and a lot of

variation with regard to their composition and physiognomy has been

observed. Generally mangroves are stunted and mostly composed of

Avicennia species, Acanthus ilicifolius and at times Sonneratia species if the

area is flat but experiencing tidal effects . These patches are seen along the

NH4A (on both sides a little away from the road), along the Kumbharjua canal

next to Kazhan lands, Diwar islands, Chorao etc. On the eastern side of

Mandovi river near Mayni village a pure and large strand of Sonneratia

acicularis has been observed. Presence of mangroves along the river bank as

a thin strip is a common sight in the study area. Names of plants observed in

mangroves are provided in Annexure I.

Scrub: The scrub vegetation is usually seen in the areas where generally

hard lateritic rocks were seen. A lot of variation is seen even within these

scrubs depending upon the extent of lateritic rocks and soil. In some areas

such as peaks of the Kundaim area, Kadamba plateau, Bambolim / Chimbel

area, from Marcela to Savoiverem area, Eastern side of Mandovi river along

Amona, Navelim, Mayne etc. this is very common. The important plants of

scrub vegetation are: Holarrhena pubsecens, Grewia nervosa, Memecyon

umbellatum, Ziziphus rugosa, Capparis zeylanica, Ziziphus oenoplia, Carissa

congesta etc. Where the scrub is very thick as in Western slopes of Kundaim



hillocks towards Marcela and Banastari Acacia catechu, Mimosa intsia, Acacia

pennata are also seen. These thick scrubs are difficult to penetrate. In some

of these scrub vegetation occassional tree elements are also seen. They are

Ziziphus mauritiana, Strychnos nuxvomica, Lannea coromandelica, Caryota

urens, Bombax ceiba, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Sterculia urens, Carallia brachiata

etc. In these situations, cashew is commonly grown and hence it is hard to

see natural thick scrub vegetation. If the hard laterite forms the substrate of

these scrubs than Cashew plantations are not common. Most of these scrub

areas have apparently disappeared in mining belt of Usgao-Bicholim though

occasional small patches are still left out. It is observed that most of these

scrubs have been degraded due to various reasons that include Cashew

cultivation, mining, industry, fire wood etc. The exhaustive list of plants

observed in scrub vegetation is given in Annexure II.

Mixed forests: This is the vegetation which is normally seen along the hill

slopes throughout and on hillocks especially between Cumbharzua canal and

Mandovi river in the Cuncoliem-Priol-Keri-Savoiverem belt. This type is moist

deciduous forest type and in toposheet this is mentioned as open mixed

jungle or dense mixed jungle. Our field studies show that there is not a single

patch which shows natural strand. They have been degraded to various

degrees. Only common thing is the presence of Cashew in every patch though

the proportion varies. Apart from Cashew, in some areas especially in Mardol-

Priol-Cuncoliem belt, pine apple is extensively grown after clearing the

undergrowth. In these patches, though tall and mature trees are present there

are no young trees or saplings, i.e. in the event of a mature tree dying there

are no young plants to fill the gap. However, these forests appear dense.

Mixed forests are mostly seen along the hill slopes and the settlements along

the periphery of these hillocks. Hence, invariably these patches have been

subjected to human interference. Heterogeneity is very high in this type of

forest in the study area due to different degrees of biotic interference and

variations in the habitat. Some settlements such as Marcel are situated on

rocky areas. The list of plants from this vegetation is given in Annexure III.



Vegetation around settlements: The settlements appear green due to

abundant tree growth in and around settlements. In satellite imagery,

settlements give 'salt and pepper' appearance due to mixed signals of

buildings and vegetation. The tree growth in the settlements are basically

economic and ornamental plants. The important among them are: coconut,

mango, jackfruit, kokum, Spondias pinnata, teak, bamboo etc. As some

settlements are linear along the foothills the vegetation of these settlements

almost merge with the vegetation from the hillocks. However, Coconut is the

dominant plant especially in the settlements close to NH4A. The list of plants

are provided in Annexure IV.

Plantations: The word plantation has to be applied in a broader sense in the

study area. The pure plantations of coconut, cashew, mango, teak, Acacia etc.

if are seen only in small patches. Otherwise the plantations are part of the

forests or scrub jungles depending upon the type. Pure Coconut plantations

are seen especially in the settlements along the NH4A and the Mandovi banks

in interior areas. In the valleys between hillocks it is basically Arecanut and

Coconut plantations (Kulagar). In the areas around Cuncoliem the pineapple

plantations (as undergrowth of forest) is extensively seen. However, the

dominant one throughout the area is Cashew. It occupies right from leteritic

rocky hillocks to well vegetated hill slopes. Between Chorao and Mayem it

almost gives the appearance of pure plantation though it mixes with the scrub

vegetation of the rocky areas. Near Keri and in mining belts small patches of

Acacia plantations are also seen.

On the North eastern part of the study area mining industry is found

dominating. The rocky plateaus and slopes are with sparse scrub vegetation

or cashew plantations, though extensive barren rocky outcrops are also very

common. Especially in the valleys between the hillocks and mining areas

'Kulagar' system is observed.

Vegetation: The major vegetation types and landscape elements are shown

in Plate III (under Item 3.1 – Land Environment). However, small parcels that

cannot be depicted at this scale are left out.



Several other landscape elements are also recorded from the study area that

includes lakes, salt pans, hard lateritic plateaus etc.

Endemic plants: Endemic plants are limited in number in the study area.

However, earlier studies show that most of the endemic plants in this region

are herbs and they appear only during monsoons, hence they do not appear

in the present list that is based on studies in summer. The endemic plants

recorded are:

1 Aerides maculosum Lindl.

2 Dalbergia horrida (Dennst.)

3 Ervatamia alternifolia (L.) Almeida

4 Garcinia indica Choicy

5 Holigarna arnottiana Hook. f.

6 Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.-Ham.) Oken

7 Ixora brachiata Roxb.

8 Jasminum malabaricum Wt.

9 Litsea ghatica Saldhana

10 Mackenziea integrifolia (Dalz.) Bremk.

Canopy cover density: The canopy cover density of forest observed in the

study is provided in Table 3.54.

Table 3.54

Canopy cover density of vegetation in study area

Sr. No.

Place Canopy cover

Density (Average)

Canopy Cover

Density (Range)

Comments

1 Slopes of Kadamba Plateau

81.25% 65-90% Thick vegetation in few small patches; remaining areas degraded.

2 Eastern slopes 58.2% 40-75% Extensive vegetation, but Cashew is



Sr. No.

Place Canopy cover

Density (Average)

Canopy Cover

Density (Range)

Comments

of Kundaim plateau

grown

3 Cuncoliem 69.17% 60-75% Lofty trees but no undergrowth due to Pineapple cultivation.

4 Keri hill slopes 60.83% 40-75% Degradation uneven; trees relatively stunted; extensive Cashew plantation.

5 Curca slopes 40% 30-50 Much degraded; extensive cashew plantations.

Avifauna: The landscape provides distinct opportunity for two types of birds: 1)

that inhabit wetlands including mud flats, mangroves and water bodies and 2)

that occupy vegetated areas. The list of avifauna of the study area is provided in

Annexure V. The list is based on personal observations and secondary

sources.



3.5.6 Comments:1 There is no 'virgin' vegetation in the area except mangroves.

2 Mangroves form a prominent type of vegetation though the number of

species is limited.

3 Other major types of vegetation are scrubs and mixed forests and both of

them are often planted with Cashew, though bamboo brakes, mango etc.

are uncommon.

4 Pine apple plantation and Kulagars are also common in the area.

5 Only ten species of endemics are recorded in monsoon (mostly herbs).

No species of endemic plants are recorded in summer studies.

3.6 Socio Economic Environment :

The area within ten km of the site is part of North Goa District of Goa &

comprises parts of three Talukas viz. Tiswadi, Bicholim & Ponda. There are 9

villages in Tiswadi , 7 in Bicholim & 12 in Ponda Taluka. The entire study area is

in rural setting. Population statistics for villages in ten km radius is presented in

Table 3.55 below. The findings from the same are given below.

The area in the near vicinity of the site (1 km) around the site/comprises

village/hamlets of Dhulape, Ilhas, Corlim & Cumbharjua.

The total population in ten km study zone is 109316 of which 56095 are

males & 53243 female

Population has high literacy rate (75%)

Occupation pattern for workers working in various villages is presented in Table 3.56 from this it can be seen that most of the people residing in the area are

engaged in different occupations, trades, mining etc (77%) with a low percentage

dependant on Agriculture / cultivation (18%). Percentage of non-workers is also

very high.



Table 3.55

Demographic Profile of Study Area

Name of Village No. of Houses

POPULATIONTotal Male Female SC ST Literate

TISWADI TALUKAChorao 1162 5345 2647 2698 117 -- 4244Jua (St. Estevam)

1039 4122 1858 2264 12 -- 3418

Corlim 1101 4806 2522 2284 47 -- 3528Karmali 1025 4948 2410 2538 28 -- 3346Goa Velha 1185 5395 2868 2527 62 2 4101Mercurim 1268 5950 2957 2993 31 -- 4257Cumbharjua 925 4497 2297 2200 34 -- 3441Cotombi 197 904 495 409 14 -- 1788Naveli 484 2453 1259 1194 3 -- 685BICHOLIM TALUKASarvona 416 2075 1071 1004 -- -- 1571Naroa 390 1958 974 984 65 -- 1464Piligao 527 2695 1340 1355 45 -- 1999Carapur 1090 5339 2676 2663 119 -- 4041Cudnem 656 3243 1679 1584 54 -- 2396Amonem 731 3452 1922 1530 143 -- 2565Surla 988 4943 2558 2387 14 -- 3646PONDA TALUKACandola 890 4210 2161 2049 14 -- 3154Orgaon 1021 4436 2209 2227 34 -- 3537Betqui 309 1646 833 813 63 -- 1172Valvai 350 1753 892 861 -- -- 1400Savoi Veren 651 3205 1641 1564 10 -- 2363Boma 561 2745 1485 1260 5 4 1950Querim 677 3465 1769 1696 52 -- 2399Cundaim 826 3970 2050 1920 71 -- 3030Velinga 374 1930 1003 927 12 -- 1503Marcaim 1196 6208 3169 3039 38 -- 4510Bandora 2491 12267 6641 5626 224 -- 8611Tivarem 272 1356 709 647 9 -- 1091Note : Based on 2001 Census



Table 3.56

Occupational Pattern in Study Area


Name of Village WORKERS

TotalWorkers

AL CL HHI. Others Non Workers

TISWADI TALUKAChorao 1889 179 279 60 1371 3456Jua (St. Estevam) 1020 13 25 22 960 3102Corlim 1815 70 81 56 1608 2991Karmali 1791 275 82 69 1365 3157Goa Velha 1763 34 60 32 1637 3632Mercurim 2082 214 371 77 1420 3868Cumbharjua 1763 115 290 62 1296 2734Cotombi 922 11 90 9 13 1531Naveli 337 0 14 2 170 567BICHOLIM TALUKASarvona 766 29 87 23 627 1309Naroa 768 181 156 26 405 1190Piligao 1223 187 328 28 680 1472Carapur 1891 143 149 161 1438 3448Cudnem 1241 43 199 56 943 2002Amonem 1525 24 137 30 1334 1926Surla 1917 107 281 14 1515 3026PONDA TALUKACandola 1717 162 168 20 1367 2493Orgaon 1821 72 102 50 1597 2615Betqui 561 56 102 15 388 1085Valvai 650 51 40 29 530 1103Savoi Veren 1497 105 109 8 1275 1708Boma 1264 87 177 17 983 1481Querim 1723 14 28 53 1628 1742Cundaim 1738 192 333 36 1177 2232Velinga 827 134 84 40 569 1103Marcaim 2687 580 276 52 1779 3521Bandora 5238 423 158 209 4448 7029Tivarem 401 4 68 4 325 955AL : Agricultural HHL : HouseholdCL : Cultivation

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