PJB-2024-73
SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF PHYTOPLANKTON VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA
FAISAL ALTHOBIANI
Abstract
The study focused on the vertical distribution of phytoplankton in the coastal waters of Jeddah, examining its interactions with various biotic and abiotic factors. Notably, the temperature and salinity patterns reflected the traditional characteristics of the Red Sea, with higher temperatures observed in the summer and elevated salinities during autumn. Nutrient distribution was generally limited, occasionally spiking, particularly in the central stations. The central stations also exhibited higher values of phytoplankton biomass. Diatoms emerged as the dominant group in the total phytoplankton abundance, with centric diatoms prevailing in their distribution. The central zone witnessed a notable diatom proliferation during the summer season. In contrast, dinoflagellates contributed less to the overall densities but exhibited dominance over diatoms in terms of species diversity. Cyanophytes displayed lower dominance both in terms of density and diversity. Examining the species diversity, centric diatom genera, specifically Chaetoceros and Rhizosolenia, surpassed other diatoms. Similarly, the dinoflagellate genera Tripos and Protoperidinium dominated over other dinoflagellate genera. The study identified a total of 208 species, providing a comprehensive overview of the phytoplankton diversity in the coastal waters of Jeddah. The current study also observed the existence of harmful algal bloom-inducing diatoms and dinoflagellates.
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