Monthly Variations of Dinoflagellates in Relation to the Water Parameters Along Purnagad Estuary, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India

Water samples were collected from Purnagad estuary, southwest coast of India. The monthly surface water sampling was carried out during high tide to find out the variations in physicochemical parameters and distribution of dinoflagellates. Samples were collected for one year period during 2022–2023. Dinoflagellates and water quality parameters were investigated to changes of dinoflagellates community. Variation in atmospheric temperature 21.9 - 37.2 0C, water temperatures varied from 25.4 - 37 0C, salinity varied from 0-37.6 psu, pH ranges between 7-8.8, dissolved oxygen 3.2-10.8 mgl-1, nitrate varied from 0.1747 - 0.1796 mgl-1, nitrite concentration varied from 0.0076 - 0.0228 mgl-1, phosphate values varied from 0.1038 mgl-1 to 0.3899 mgl-1, Silicate was varied from 0.0050 - 0.6031 mgl-1. A quantitative approach was employed, involving the collection of quantitative data through field sampling and laboratory analysis. During the study 22 species of dinoflagellates were encountered among which Ceratium fusus was dominant. Relatively high density and diversity of dinoflagellates were discovered in May as compared to the other months. Temperature showed a positive correlation with the dinoflagellate community showing its importance in dinoflagellate growth.