Studies on Distribution of Calcium and Magnesium in Coastal Waters of Gopalpur, Bay of Bengal

The seasonal variability in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in coastal waters of Gopalpur, Bay of Bengal has been studied from March 2007 to February 2008. Salinity ranged between 19.48 and 34.44 ppt with an average value of 30.13 ppt. The calcium concentration varied from 0.313-0.451 g/kg with an average of 0.386 g/kg, and magnesium from 0.673-1.423 g/kg with an average 1.132 g/kg. The Ca/Cl ratio and Mg/Cl ratio ranged from 0.019-0.038 and 0.057-0.078 respectively. The concentration of calcium and magnesium was found to be higher in bottom water than the surface water. The ratio of Ca and Mg with chlorinity is proximity to the oceanic range. They were found to be lower in bottom water than the surface due to low saline surface water. The low range of variability of these in coastal waters indicates the insignificant inputs from extraneous sources. The average concentration of calcium and magnesium does not show much variability which reflects on the water quality parameters of Gopalpur coast.