A Social Dynamic Approach on Floristic Composition and Physiochemical Characteristics of Karankadu Mangrove Forest, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu

This study investigates the diversity of angiosperms and the assessment of physiochemical studies in accordance with seasonal variations on Karankadu Mangrove Forest, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. In the study area, 62 species of angiosperms including five true mangroves Avicennia marina , Ceriops tagal , Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera cylindrica are identified. The seasonal variations affect both the physiological status of the true mangroves present in the study area, particularly during the North East monsoon. The water and soil samples are collected for four different seasons pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and summer. Abiotic components include mainly water and soil which support the mangroves. A physical parameter is mainly the temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, moisture content. Chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), organic carbon and mineral composition – Nitrogen, Sodium and Potassium. The maximum value for most of the parameters was recorded during the post-monsoon season; it is due to a higher concentration of dissolved salts in water. During monsoon, the water is almost pure with a lesser number of dissolved salts hence most of the parameters found low values in monsoon season. The results indicate that dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and Nitrogen phosphorous potassium supplements are huge during monsoon season and the lowest values are recorded in the post-monsoon season. In conclusion, it may be noted this study provides a pathway for proper utilization, conservation and acts as supplement information for Mangrove growth which may be implemented further for the Conservation and Management of mangroves.