Comparative Ecological Studies of Karanja and Panvel Creeks adjoining to Shrimp Culture Ponds in Raigad district of Maharashtra

Abstract

Coastal aquatic systems are important resources for enhancing aquaculture production, exhibiting diverse ecological conditions. These resources could be utilized for food production with proper maintenance of ecological balance. Several studies have been made pertaining to characteristics of brackish water ecosystems of India, viz. Hoogly-Matlah estuary, Chilka lake, Cavery estuary and Pulicate lake along the east coast and coastal waters of Bombay west coast, Mandovi-Zuary estuary and Netravati-Gurupur estuary along the west coast. The present study was undertaken to study the different physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal content of two different creeks viz., Karanja and Panvel, which are main source of intake for brackish water shrimp culture ponds of Uran- Panvel area in Raigad districts of Maharashtra. There was great variation in transparency, which was more at Panvel creek compared to Karanja creek. The values of salinity, specific conductivity, calcium, magnesium and total hardness were higher in the water of Karanja creek compared to Panvel creek. It may be due to immediate connection of Karanja creek to sea. Among the heavy metals, the level of cadmium and lead was higher in Karanja creek, however, the level of zinc was less than Panvel creek.