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Seasonal variations in hydrography, trophic status, and plankton community structure were studied along the Tuticorin coastal waters (TCWs) in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM). Samples were collected in 2015 and 2016 to analyze physico-chemical (temperature, pH, salinity, suspended particulate matter (SPM), dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients, etc.) and biological parameters (chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton). The trophic index (TRIX) and eutrophication index (EI) were calculated to describe the eutrophication status of TCWs. Temperature, pH, salinity, DO, and SPM showed seasonality due to the impact of the northeast monsoon. A massive bloom of Trichodesmium erythraeum was observed, with a visible impact on water quality and the plankton community. The cluster and principal component analysis indicated the bloom event as a distinct phenomenon. ANOVA results showed significant seasonal variations rather than spatial variations. According to the trophic indices, the area had a low trophic level in 2015 and a high trophic level in 2016. The Tuticorin inshore waters had the highest TRIX and EI values during the dominance of cyanobacteria bloom in the post-monsoon 2016. The trophic indices had a positive relationship with phytoplankton abundance but showed an inverse relation with zooplankton abundance. The overall range of the TRIX index (3.18–5.96) indicated that the environment was oligotrophic to eutrophic, and EI values (0.72–21.61) indicated that the state of coastal waters was moderate to poor. This study states that periodic monsoonal flow and frequent algal bloom events have a significant impact on the GoM coastal waters.

Background: In India's fast-growing economy, the construction sector offers significant developments with huge employment opportunities but poses risks due to poor working environments and uncomfortable postures. Traditional methods, such as manual material handling, can lead to health hazards and musculoskeletal disorders such as overexertion, low back pain, etc., Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the working postures of unorganized employees engaged in residential buildings using Ergofellow software and to recommend changes in their unsafe working postures., Methods: Participants' working positions were video recorded and the postures were analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Ovako Working Posture Analysis (OWAS). Paired sample t-tests were used to analyze significant differences between the RULA and REBA scores after the ergonomic interventions were implemented., Results: From the analysis of RULA, REBA and OWAS, the working postures showed a high risk of potential injury and required an immediate change in employees' working postures. The RULA and REBA scores were subsequently lower after the ergonomic interventions, which were based on ergonomic and safety principles. The paired sample t-tests with p-values of less than 0.05 demonstrated decreased risks after ergonomic interventions., Conclusion: Working postures of the construction workers exposed to musculoskeletal disorders were examined and the ergonomic interventions were implemented. According to the recommendations, working positions were changed, and employee well-being was enhanced by reduced operational risks.