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Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Investigating the Relationship between Sea Surface Chlorophyll and Major Features of the South China Sea with Satellite Information
Published on: June 13, 2020
Environmental factors influence on phytoplankton community distribution in the eastern Indian Ocean
Jingdi Liu1, Leyi Zuo1, Guicheng Zhang1
1Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
Abstract:
To study the spatial distribution and composition of phytoplankton taxa in the eastern Indian Ocean, a total of 52 sampling stations were set up for sampling during 10 April to 13 May 2016. The HPLC-CHEMTAX technique was employed to analyze photosynthetic pigments and phytoplankton community structure. Based on vertical distribution patterns observed, phytoplankton was divided into three categories. Group 1 (prochlorophytes, prasinophytes type 1, prasinophytes type 3, and pelagophytes) exhibited a positive correlation with salinity and a negative correlation with temperature. Notably, the aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis revealed a significant influence of the DSi/DIP ratio on this category. Group 2 (cyanobacteria dinoflagellates and haptophytes type 6) demonstrated negatively correlated with salinity but positively with temperature. Temperature and depth emerging as significant influence factors. Notably, group 3 (diatoms and cryptophytes) exhibited a unique vertical distribution pattern that differs from other groups. Phytoplankton biomass distribution varied across water masses: Cyanobacteria-dominated phytoplankton exhibited relatively higher biomass proportions in Low Salinity Water (LSW). Diatoms abundance in Coastal Water (CW) was enhanced by upwelling, and the biomass of prochlorophytes was found to be relatively high in Equatorial Water (EW). The South/North Equatorial Water (SEW/NEW) were more favored for the growth of prasinophytes type 1, and cyanobacteria. In conclusion, phytoplankton in the study area are generally influenced by temperature, salinity, and nutrients. Prochlorophytes were mainly influenced by salinity, and higher salinity favored their growth. Cyanobacteria were more influenced by temperature and nutrients, and grew better in warm surface seawater. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between these factors and the resulting distribution patterns of phytoplankton in the region.
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