PLANKTON

Phytoplanktons are suspended in the euphotic zone and they drift along with the
ocean currents.
They vary from place to place and from season to season and this variation is
responsible for the organic production. The productivity of phytoplanktons is directly
responsible for the growth of zooplanktons in the water.
Usually when phytoplanktons reach the maximum intensity of growth, zooplanktons
start growing.
Phytoplanktons have long been used as indicators of water quality. Some species
flourish in highly eutrophic waters while others are very sensitive to organic and/or
chemical wastes. Phytoplanktons form the pastures of the sea
. These organisms are autotrophic in nature. The growth and multiplication of
phytoplanktons primarily depends on solar illumination,
temperature and also on the availability of certain essential nutrients such as
nitrates, phosphates, silicates, trace elements, etc.