EFFECT OF THE KMML (KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LIMITED) TITANIUM DIOXIDE INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS ON THE PLANKTON BIOMASS OF VATTAKAYAL-AN ESTUARINE SYSTEM IN KERALA
F.G. D'CRUZ *
PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, FATIMA MATA NATIONAL COLLEGE, KOLLAM-691 001, INDIA.
M.T.P. MIRANDA *
PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, FATIMA MATA NATIONAL COLLEGE, KOLLAM-691 001, INDIA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Vattakayal backwater system of Kollam district in Kerala receives industrial effluents from the KMML Titanium dioxide factory. The plankton biomass from four different stations of this water body was estimated every month for a period of two years (1994-1996). There was drastic reduction of plankton biomass at Station I which directly received the effluents. Station II which was near to Station I also recorded decreased values. Station III closer to the river discharge site and Station IV closer to the estuarine mouth to the sea, exhibited almost normal values. The interrelationship of plankton biomass with year. Station and Season are discussed.