Spatio-Temporal Variability of Nutrients, Chlorophyll a, and Physicochemical Parameters of Bushehr Coastal Waters

Here, the spatio-temporal variability of nutrients, chlorophyll a, and physicochemical parameters, with regard to sensitive zones such as swimming and recreational areas, and entrances of urban sewages, at 23 stations of coastal waters of Bushehr city were investigated in hot (September, 2017) and cold (January, 2018) seasons. The results show that the dissolved oxygen and pH values were high in some coastal areas. Macroalgae were extensively observed at these areas. Statistical results show that the temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen values and concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and silicate have significant difference between the two seasons (p<0.05). Nitrate and silicate have higher percentage than other nutrients in both hot and cold seasons. The nitrate and ammonium concentrations were higher in clod season (were 324.79 µg/l and 12.66 µg/l, respectively) than in hot season (were 123.43 µg/l and 1.91 µg/l, respectively). Furthermore, in most of the coastal stations, the nitrate concentrations were high, so that the nitrate concentrations of the coastal stations and 5 km away from the coastline stations were 229.91 µg/l and 81.56 µg/l, respectively. In general, using a water quality index, it can be said that, at the time of doing this research, the nutrients and chlorophyll a status of Bushehr coastal water is not in a dangerous situation. The results of this study can be used by local decision makers in the health, environmental, and tourism sections.