International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2016, Volume : 4, Issue : 5
First page : (121) Last page : (126)
Article doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2389

Distribution of Meiofauna in the Poonthura Estuary, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

K.S. Anila Kumary*
Department of Zoology, Kuriakose Gregorios College, Pampady, Kottayam,Kerala 686502 India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: ksanilakumary@yahoo.co.in
Received: 11.10.2016  |  Revised: 23.10.2016   |  Accepted: 24.10.2016  

Abstract
Meiofauna, which constitutes an important part of benthos facilitates biomineralization of organic matter and enhances nutrient regeneration. The present investigation reveals the spatio-temporal variations in the meiofaunal structure of the Poonthura estuary (latitude 80 25’ – 80 30’N and longitude 760 55’ – 770 00’ E) on the southwest coast of India, lying in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city. The data presented in the paper is based on 108 core samples collected during three consecutive seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon) from three selected stations in the Poonthura estuary. Meofauna in the estuary was represented by 12 taxa in varying proportions. Nematodes, foraminifers, copepods and oligochaetes were the most abundant and most widely distributed groups. Nematodes alone contributed more than 60% of total meiofauna in the estuary and represented in high abundance during all seasons and all stations. A decrease in meiofaunal abundance from the mouth towards the head of the estuary was evident. All the meiofaunal groups exhibited seasonality in their abundance with relatively high density during the pre monsoon season.

Key words: Meiofauna, Distribution, Abundance, Estuary

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Anila, K.S., Distribution of Meiofauna in the Poonthura Estuary, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.4(5): 121-126 (2016). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2389