Influence of Sandbar Formation on the Water Quality Muttukadu Estuary

The main aim of the present book to understand some of the chemical oceanographic processes of Muttukadu Backwaters. The importance of this study lies in the fact that there has been an increasing concern on the environmental degradation of Muttukadu Backwater with respect to water and sediments due to various anthropogenic activities. The sand bar forms at the mouth at different time periods. This study describes the interrelationship between the sand bar formed at the mouth and biogeochemical variations of Muttukadu Backwaters. Monthly monitoring was carried, water, sediment and phytoplankton were collected at 9 stations each month in 2009. The results of water quality analysis and sediment characterization were grouped as " open", "intermittent open" and "closed" based on sand bar formation.