Diversity of macrobenthos around Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS).

Abstract

The present study was deal with macro benthos diversity around ecological sensitivity area of Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), Kalpakkam and their relationship with physico-chemical parameters of water and sediments samples. Seasonally sample collections were made from 9 different locations during the study period of 2012-2014. Totally 64 species of macro benthos were identified and its belongs to polycheates (21 species), gastropods (12 species) and each 7 species of bivalves and amphipods, nematodes (5 species), copepods (4 species) and 3 species of isopods, each 2 species of foraminifera’s and ostrocodes and 1 species of rotifer has identified during the study period. The dominant species contribution is polycheate (33%) followed by gastropoda (19%). In addition, the environmental parameters of temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and sediment texture were also contributing the important role for the distribution and diversity of benthic organisms. Hence, it could be assumed from the present study, the hydrography and sediment texture are major factors responsible for variation in macro benthic communities in the ecologically important area of MAPS.