Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
developmental activities on freshwater ecosys-
tem. Increasing sedimentation in the aquatic
environments due to both natural and man-made
causes affect water quality and clarity (Cook
1996
). Addition of silt during rainy season, run-
off of garbage from human settlement, and drain-
ing of wastewater into the lake from industries
have resulted shrinkage of this habitat (Nichols
1991
). For rural people, this environment is to a
certain extent functions as a bio-resource in a sus-
tainable way.
Aponogeton natans
,
Alternanthera
sessilis
,
Ipomoea aquatica
,
Marsilea polycarpa
,
Persicaria barbata
, and
Sesbania javanica
, com-
mon leafy greens, are available throughout the
year, and they are harvested from the wetlands
and marshy areas for human consumption.
Ipomoea carnea
, an aggressive alien-invasive
weed, is collected from the bunds of the ponds
and ditches for fencing of agriculture lands.
Flowers of sacred plants
Nymphaea nouchali
and
Nelumbo nucifera
are sold in the market; matured
seeds are eaten raw or roasted and made into fl our
to make nutritious meal. The presence of
Ipomoea
carnea
,
Pistia stratiotes
,
Eichhornia crassipes
,
and
Salvinia molesta
is a clear indication of inva-
sion of alien species in this perennial ecosystem.
Centella asiatica
,
Bacopa monnieri
, and
Eclipta
prostrata
were used in different medicinal formu-
lations.
Arundo donax
,
Cyperus corymbosus
,
Cyperus digitatus
,
Cyperus pangorei
,
Pandanus
fascicularis
, and
Typha angustata
were used for
basketries and mat-making purposes. However, a
detailed study about the suitability of these plants
for human consumption as supplemental food or
as feed for the cattle has to be carried out as these
are growing in water that is dangerously polluted
both industrially and biologically.
will pave the way for formulation of new man-
agement techniques and enhance the effi cacy of
the present management practices of the aquatic
ecosystem. Inhabitants around the aquatic envi-
ronments are unaware of the importance and
role of fl ora and fauna. Anthropogenic activities
such as building construction, accumulation of
garbage, encroachment, industrialization, and
mining of clay or soil are escalating around the
wetlands. Further studies on the impacts of pol-
lutants, nutrient load, microphyte wealth, seed
germination strategies, and water quality and
ecological quantitative studies are needed to
effi ciently conserve these important ecosys-
tems and its invaluable biota. Assessment of
biota and continuous monitoring and preserva-
tion of natural resources are important activi-
ties to safeguard the biological wealth of
freshwater ecosystems.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the
Director of Botanical Survey of India for providing all the
facilities and to the Forest Department (WL) of Odisha for
the permission, help, and support.
References
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Cook CDK (1996) Aquatic and wetland plants of India.
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Conclusions
Studies on aquatic plants are crucial in this
ever-changing environment; in India, to assess
life-forms and the aquatic environment.
In-depth knowledge on macrophyte biology
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