Authors : R. V. Tijare and P. M. Telkhade
Page Nos : 362-365
Description :
Abstract:
The term eutrophication refers to the change in a lake from having lower level of primary productivity to a higher level of primary productivity. The eutrophication of several water bodies leads to significant changes in the structure and function of the aquatic ecosystem. Most of the water bodies over the world are surrounded with densely populated human settlement areas and agricultural fields. In addition to nutrients several environmental factors have also responsible for eutrophication. The change in eutrophic conditions is reflected in the occurrence, pattern of distribution and diversity of the biotic community. Eutrophication caused by human influences typically occurs over decades and results in the excess growth of algae and plants, reduces water clarity, light penetration and oxygen concentrations which can have impacts on aquatic life. Workers like Adoni (1985), Ansari (2002), Gerg (1998), Kant & Raina (1990), Kaul (1970), Kulshreshtha et al. (1989), Mishra et al. (1975), Tripathi (1990), Trisal (1983), Khan (2005) and Tijare (2011) worked on various nutrients and aquatic plants responsible for eutrophication of water bodies present in India. Eutrophication, or the promotion of the growth of plants, animals, and microorganisms in ponds, lakes and rivers, has been a very slow, natural process. Succession is the process by which a waterbody becomes a marsh, then a bog, and finally a drier terrestrial body. Human activities around the aquatic bodies have enhanced the nutrient input. Phosphorus and many nutrients have key role in eutrophication and finally in succession. Succession is a dynamic and continuous process, often occurring gradually in due course and leads to change in species composition, age and size, ecosystem structure and their function.
Key words: Nutrients, aquatic plants, eutrophication and succession.
