Environmental and hydroclimatic factors influencing Vibrio populations in the estuarine zone of the Bengal delta

The objective of this study was to determine environmental parameters driving Vibrio populations in the estuarine zone of the Bengal delta. Spatio-temporal data were collected at river estuary, mangrove, beach, pond, and canal sites. Effects of salinity, tidal amplitude, and a cyclone and tsunami were included in the study. Vibrio population shifts were found to be correlated with tide-driven salinity and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Increased abundance of Vibrio spp. in surface water was observed after a cyclone, attributed to re-suspension of benthic particulate organic carbon (POC), and increased availability of chitin and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Approximately a two log 10 increase in the ( p