Assessment of phytoplankton diversity, distribution, and environmental variables along the southeast coast of India

Coastal waters are dynamic because of anthropogenic activities that contribute nutrients and contaminants. These changes have the potential to alter patterns primary production thus pelagic food webs. Here, we investigated spatial variation phytoplankton community its response changing environmental variables at 84 stations along five coastal districts Tamil Nadu (TN). During present study, 85 species were recorded, such as diatoms (64), dinoflagellates (18), silicoflagellates (1), Cyanophyceae (2). The maximum abundance was recorded on Thanjavur coast gradually decreased towards south Nadu. Among community, 50% dominated by pennate diatoms, attributed higher NO 3 − concentrations in due agricultural discharge. Cluster analysis revealed Ramanathapuram Tirunelveli formed a closed cluster, whereas Pudukottai separate cluster associated with nutrient metal concentrations, highlighting difference physicochemical parameters between northern southern TN coast. Relatively high greater concern, which could impact ecosystem. eutrophication is becoming widespread phenomenon, causing disruption chain ecosystem balances hence requiring regular monitoring management.