Abstract—The study of phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos at 8 sampling locations were identified around coastal area of Bay of Bengal during summer season (April, 2010) to assess the water quality and bio-ecoaesthetic value of the area. Among the major taxonomic groups, bacillariophyceae was the most dominant phytoplankton species. Based on study of zooplankton, it appeared that the area is mostly preferred by Cladocera ( Daphnias sp ., Allonella sp.and Moina sp ), fallowed by Rotifera (Brachionus sp. and Keratella sp.), Copepoda( Cyclops sp. ; Nauplius larva ))and Ptotozoa (Acanthocystis sp.) were identified. Zoobenthos was dominated by Foraminifera (11 sp.) followed by Ophiuroides (7 sp.), Ostracoda (3 sp), Polychaeta (1 sp.). An average counts for phytoplankton, zooplanktons, zoobenthos were computed as 165/ml, 1825/m 3 and 17750/m 2 respectively. Higher diversity indices for all these groups phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos were ranged as 2.615, 2.072 and 2.18 respectively indicating lowest or no impact of pollution or no adverse impact in the study area of Bay of Bengal near Nellure, (Andhra Pradesh, India).

Index Terms—Water quality, Pollution, Diversity index, Bay of Bengal, Sea coast

Cite: Nanasaheb C Kankal and Sarita Warudkar, "Biodiversity of Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Zoobenthos in East Coast, Bay of Bengal near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (India)," International Journal of Pharma Medicine and Biological Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 272-285, October 2012.