A SURVEY OF THE PROTEIN-CONTENT IN ESTUARINE WATERS

A survey of the protein content in a tropical estuary and its nearshore regions are reported for two seasons—postmonsoon (November 1987) and monsoon (June 1988)—using a modified dye binding method. The content of protein varied from 0.05 to 8.0µg−1 in the fresh and estuarine waters with little variability between surface and bottom values. The enhanced biological production during postmonsoon months causes a higher level of protein in the lower estuary compared to low values in the freshwater, riverine end. Increased terrestrial runoff and discharge of industrial waste mainly from seafood processing units are linked to the higher concentrations of protein in monsoon, more than double the content during postmonsoon. Auxiliary data on chlorophyllaorganic [formula omitted], urea and dissolved organic carbon support the above contention. Interparametric relationships suggest seasonally varying correlation between protein and chlorophylla, urea and DOC, signifying the role of biological control. © 1990, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.