Wetlands Ecology: Eco-biological uniqueness of a Ramsar site

Justification for Writing This Book
Preface
Acknowledgement
Contents
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Introductory and Basic Eco-biological Aspects of Wetlands
1.1 Definition and Concept of Wetlands: International Perspectives
1.2 Genesis of the Concept of Wetland
1.3 Origin of Wetlands
1.4 Criteria for Designating a Wetland as Ramsar Site
1.5 Types, Classification, Sizes, and Extent of Distribution of Wetland Ecosystems
1.5.1 Wetlands in the Floodplains
1.6 Assessment of Wetland Ecosystems of India
1.7 Distribution of Wetlands in India
1.8 Functional Manifestations of Wetlands Towards Generating Values
1.9 International Perceptions on the Values and Functions of Wetlands
1.10 Biodiversity in the Wetlands of India: Rational Behind the Protection and Conservation of Wetlands
1.10.1 Biodiversity of Wetlands and Determining Attributes
1.10.2 East Kolkata Wetlands: Potential for Values and Goods
1.10.3 Recreational and Educational Roles of Wetlands
1.10.4 Wetlands and Flood Control
1.10.5 Roles of Wetland in Trapping Sediment vis-a-vis Anti-erosion Roles
1.10.6 Wetlands and Coastal Protection
1.10.7 Roles of Wetlands for Waste Treatment: Phytoremediation
1.10.8 Physico-chemical Parameters and Biogeochemical Cycle of Wetlands: Contribution to Render Benefits
1.10.9 Wetland as a “Nursery” and Provider of “Habitats”
1.10.10 Recharge and Discharge of Ground Water and Interaction with Surface Water
1.10.11 Conservation of Wetlands and Survivability of Aquatic Birds
1.10.12 Wetlands and Socioeconomic Benefits
1.11 Threats on Wetlands and Loss of Biodiversity
1.11.1 Assessment of the Causes of Loss of Wetlands
1.11.2 Wetlands, Eutrophication and Carbon Sequestration
1.12 Functional Assessment of Wetlands
1.13 Wetland Management: East Kolkata Wetlands
1.14 Remote Sensing and GIS Methods for Conservation and Management of Wetlands
1.15 Linking Water Crisis: Roles of Governance and Integrity
1.16 Conservation of Wetlands: Interdisciplinary and Integrated Approaches
References
Chapter 2: Ecology and History of Wetland Research: Operating Scientific Principles of Eco-dynamics of Wetland Ecosystem with Special Reference to East Kolkata Wetland, India
2.1 Ecosystem Ecology: Concept, Origin
2.2 Functional Roles of Ecosystems
2.3 Major Structural Components of Wetland Ecosystem
2.3.1 Water and Water Resources: Human Sustenance
2.3.2 Sunlight as the Driving Force for all Biological Growth and Interactions
2.3.3 Wind as an Important Meteorological Factor
2.3.4 Soil – Its Texture and Nutrients
2.4 Interlinkages and Interdependences of Different Freshwater Ecosystems: An Ecological Interpretation
2.5 Hierarchy of Ecological Systems: Population, Community, Biosphere and Ecosystem Ecology
2.6 Functioning of Ecosystem as Cybernetic System: Production of Biomass and Flow of Energy
2.7 Hierarchical Organization of Biotic Community: Energy Flows and Productivity
2.8 Energy and Ecosystem: Driving Force behind all Kinds of Eco-biological Activities
2.9 Flows of Energy: Laws of Thermodynamics
2.10 Food Chains and Food Web Dynamics Within an Aquatic Ecosystem: Food Web Complexity
2.11 Ecological Efficiency in Plants
2.12 The Ecological Efficiency of Animals
2.13 Limnology and Its Different Dimensions
2.14 Ecological Niche and Habitat: Concept of Resource Partitioning and Metacommunity
2.15 Background Ecology for the Functioning of Wetlands
2.16 Biogeochemistry and Biogeochemical Cycling
2.17 Nutrients Loads and Ecological Alternations: An Example of East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar Site
2.18 Spatial Heterogeneity of Nutrient Controls
2.19 Ecological Processes and Parameters vs Biota in Wetland Ecosystem
2.20 Regulating Nutrient Cycles and Water Quality: Roles of Macrophytes
2.21 Adaptive Strategies of Aquatic Organisms: Role of Limiting Factors
2.22 Ecosystem and Environment Interrelationships: Perspectives of Wetland Ecosystem
2.23 Ecological Significance of Soil Organic Matter
2.24 Historical Account of Wetlands Research
2.24.1 Historical Background on the Ecological Concept and Definition of Wetland
2.25 Information of Distribution of Wetlands in India
2.26 Ecosystem Functioning of Wetlands and Ecological Variables
2.27 Wetland Hydrology
2.28 The Relationship among Water Quality Parameters (Abiotic Factors and Biotic Factors): An Ecological Perspective
2.28.1 Temperature
2.28.2 Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
2.28.3 Dissolved Oxygen
2.28.4 Turbidity and Transparency
2.28.5 Specific Conductivity
2.28.6 Total Solids [Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)]
2.28.7 Transparency
2.28.8 Alkalinity
2.28.9 Total Hardness of Water (Calcium Hardness and Magnesium Hardness)
2.28.10 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
2.28.11 Ecological Characteristics of Soil: Determinant of Other Structure Components of Wetlands
2.28.12 Ecological Significance of Soil Organic Carbon and Bulk Density
2.28.13 Soil Bulk Density (BD)
2.29 Historical Review of the Studies of Physico-chemical Parameters in Freshwater Wetlands
2.30 Decomposition and Consumption: Cycling of Chemical Elements and Nutrient Availability
2.31 Functional Roles of Different Components of Detritus in Wetland Ecosystem
2.31.1 Cellulosic Substances
2.31.2 Phenolic Substances
2.31.3 Humic Substances
2.32 Case Study on the Seasonal Fluctuation of Physico-chemical Parameters from Four Ecologically Contrasting Wetlands of East Kolkata Wetlands, India
2.32.1 Selection of Suitable Study Sites
2.32.1.1 Ecological Background of Study Sites
2.32.1.2 Seasonal Dynamics of Physico-chemical Parameters of Water
2.32.1.2.1 Water Temperature
2.32.1.2.2 Turbidity
2.32.1.2.3 pH
2.32.1.2.4 Total Dissolved Solid
2.32.1.2.5 Alkalinity
2.32.1.2.6 Calcium (Ca)
2.32.1.2.7 Magnesium (Mg)
2.32.1.2.8 Chloride
2.32.1.2.9 Total Hardness
2.32.1.2.10 Conductivity
2.32.1.2.11 Dissolved Oxygen
2.32.1.2.12 Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
2.32.1.2.13 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
2.32.1.3 Seasonal Dynamics of Physico-chemical Parameters of Soil
2.32.1.3.1 Moisture Content
2.32.1.3.2 pH
2.32.1.3.3 Soil Texture
2.32.1.3.3.1 Sand Components of Soil
2.32.1.3.3.2 Clay Components of Soil
2.32.1.3.3.3 Silt Components of Soil
2.32.1.3.3.4 Organic Matter
2.32.1.3.3.5 Available Nitrogen (N)
2.32.1.3.3.6 Available Phosphorus (P)
2.32.1.3.3.7 Available Potassium (K)
2.32.1.4 Seasonal Dynamics of Physico-chemical Parameters of Soil and Water (Tables 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12 and 2.13)
2.32.1.4.1 Spatial Variation Through Three Consecutive Years of Physico-chemical Parameters of Water at Four Wetlands with Contrasting Ecological Features (Tables 2.1, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 and 2.11)
2.32.1.4.2 Spatial Variation of Physico-chemical Parameters of Soil Through Three Consecutive Years at Four Wetlands with Contrasting Ecological Features
2.32.1.4.3 Spatial Variation of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cr, Cd and Hg) of Water Hyacinth Through Different Three Consecutive Years
2.32.1.5 Historical Account of Some Studies of Physico-chemical Parameters of Water from Wetlands in India
2.32.1.5.1 Water Quality Parameters
2.32.1.5.2 Physico-chemical Properties of Soil
2.33 Wetland’s Functioning in the Historical Perspectives
2.34 Wetlands in the Landscape: Their History and Evolution
2.35 Ecological Uniqueness of Aquatic Systems
References
Chapter 3: Diversity and Classification of Wetlands in International and National Perspectives
3.1 Classificatory Scheme: Categorization of Global Wetlands
3.2 Relevant Information of Different Research Studies on Wetland Classification
3.3 Broad Categories of Wetlands
3.4 Coastal Wetlands: Ecological Characteristics
3.4.1 Types and Structural Components of Coastal Wetlands
3.5 Inland Wetlands
3.5.1 Freshwater Swamps
3.5.2 Riparian Wetlands
3.5.3 Bogs
3.5.4 Peatlands
3.5.5 Constructed Wetlands
3.5.6 Mires and Spring
3.5.7 Depressional Wetlands
3.5.8 Terminal Wetlands
3.5.9 Floodplains
3.5.9.1 Forested or Savanna Floodplain
3.6 Human-Made Wetlands
3.7 Categorization of Wetlands as per the Observations of Mitsch and Gosselink (2007)
3.7.1 Peatlands: Organic Soil Wetlands
3.7.2 Bog: Acidic Ecological Condition
3.7.3 Fens – A Unique Wetland with Natural Supply of Water
3.7.4 Marsh
3.7.4.1 Wetlands Under the Category of Freshwater Marshes
3.7.4.2 Division of Marsh: Temperate Saltwater Marsh and Tropical Mangroves
3.7.4.2.1 Temperate Saltwater Marsh
3.7.4.2.2 Mangroves of Tropical Regions
3.7.4.2.3 Delta Building Process and Development of Coastal Wetlands
3.7.4.2.4 Wet Meadows
3.7.4.2.5 Prairie Potholes
3.7.4.2.6 Vernal Pools
3.7.4.2.7 Playas
3.7.4.2.8 Slough
3.7.4.2.9 Swamps
3.8 Changing Wetlands: Development vs. Succession
3.8.1 Diversity and Ecological characteristics of wetlands in India
3.8.2 Wetlands in India in Different Biogeographic Zones
3.8.2.1 A Tentative Scheme of Classification based on the Origin and Mode of Development of Wetlands, India
3.9 Classification of Wetlands in Indian Perspectives
3.10 Major Determining Factors Structuring Wetland Ecosystem
3.10.1 Salinity as Hydrological Parameter
3.10.2 Morphometric and Morphoedaphic Factors
3.10.3 Sources of Water for Wetlands
3.10.4 Species Composition
3.10.5 Depth of the Wetlands: Influence on Biotic Community
3.11 Classification and Ramsar Sites: Indian Perspectives
3.12 Classified Categories of Wetlands in Indian Perspectives
3.13 Drainage and Flooding of Water to Wetlands: Ecological Implications
References
Chapter 4: Ecosystem Services and Values of Wetlands with Special Reference with East Kolkata Wetlands
4.1 Concept on Ecosystem Services in Relation to Biodiversity
4.2 Ecosystem Services: Concept and Types
4.3 Wetlands and Their Ecosystem Services
4.3.1 Types of Ecosystem Services
4.3.2 Detailed Account of Different Ecosystem Services of Wetlands
4.3.2.1 Provisioning Services
4.3.2.2 Regulating Services
4.3.2.3 Supporting Services: Habitats and Biodiversity
4.3.2.4 Cultural Services: Cultural Heritage
4.4 Ecosystem Functioning vs Biodiversity: Avenues for Ecosystem Services
4.5 Wetlands and Recreation
4.6 Socioeconomic Benefits from Wetlands
4.7 The Economic Context: Economics of Wetlands
4.8 Valuation of the Ecosystem Services of Wetlands
References
Chapter 5: Eco-biological Uniqueness of East Kolkata Wetland, a Ramsar Site in India
5.1 Locational and Climatic Information of EKW
5.2 Ecological and Geomorphological Evolution of East Kolkata Wetlands
5.3 Geo-Hydrological Condition of East Kolkata Wetlands
5.4 Historical Background of East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW)
5.5 Historical Account of Ecological Transformation of East Kolkata Wetlands
5.6 Historical Account of the Location and Climate of East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW)
5.7 Eco-geo-transformation from Marsh to Megacity
5.8 East Kolkata Wetlands – International Recognition
5.8.1 Extent and Earlier Records of Physiography
5.9 East Kolkata Wetlands and Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem
5.10 East Kolkata Wetlands – Basin: Geomorphological Alteration
5.11 Ecological History of the Conservation Strategies for East Kolkata Wetlands
5.11.1 Early History of Expanse and Climate of EKW
5.11.2 Historical Account of the Conversion of Bidyadhari Interfluves
5.12 Scientific Principles Behind Fishery Development
5.13 Threats on the Traditional Waste Recycling Wetlands
5.14 The Major Changes Regarding the Management of City’s Sewage
5.14.1 Chronological Summarization of Major Threats to the EKW
5.15 Significance of East Kolkata Wetlands
5.15.1 Outcomes from the Resource Recovery from EKW
5.15.2 Agricultural Activities
5.15.3 Scopes of Navigability
5.15.4 Socio-Economic Values of East Kolkata Wetlands
5.16 Reclamation of ErstWhile Salt Lake
5.17 Urbanization, History of Kolkata City and EKW
5.17.1 Historical Background of East Kolkata Wetland
5.17.2 Establishment, Growth, Urbanization of City of Kolkata
5.18 Expansion Drive for the City of Kolkata
5.19 Uniqueness of Ecosystem Functioning of EKW: Eco-potential, Problems and Prospect
5.19.1 Constrains and ShortComings in the Restoration and Conservation of EKW
5.20 Eco-management in Tune with the Need of the Hour: Traditional Use of Wetlands for the Resource Recovery
5.20.1 Mudiali Fishermen Cooperative Society (MFCS): A Cooperative Approach for Successful Fisheries Through Wastewater Recycling
5.20.1.1 Selection and Culture of Fish Species in MFCS
5.20.2 Salient Points of the Natural Waste Recycling System
5.20.3 Recycling of Urban Wastes of Kolkata Within EKW
References
Chapter 6: Basics of Remote Sensing Techniques Applicable in Wetlands Ecosystems
6.1 Basic Facts About GIS and Remote Sensing with the Scope of Their Applicability in Environmental Assessment
6.2 Application of Remote Sensing Techniques in the Ecological Assessment of Wetland Ecosystems
6.3 Application of Satellite Sensors for Identification of Wetlands
6.3.1 Landsat MSS
6.3.2 Landsat TM
6.3.3 Landsat 8/OLI
6.3.4 SPOT as First Earth Resource Satellite
6.3.5 AVHRR
6.3.6 IRS Satellites
6.3.7 RADAR Images
6.4 Case Study: A Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of Inland Wetland Dynamics
6.4.1 Ecological Information of the Study Area (EKW)
6.4.2 Material and Methods of the Study
6.4.2.1 Materials Used in the Study
6.4.2.2 Methodologies of the Study
6.4.2.2.1 Preparation of Land Use/Cover Map Using Digital Classification Technique
6.4.2.2.2 Estimation of Accuracy of the Digital Classification
6.4.2.2.3 Reconfiguration Detection of Land Use/Cover Categories Through Time
6.4.2.2.4 Rate of Change
6.4.2.2.5 Water Body Extraction
6.4.2.2.6 Stability Index
6.4.2.2.7 Water Body Fragmentation Analysis
6.4.2.2.8 Optimized Hot Spot (Getis-Ord Gi*)
6.4.2.2.9 Dematel Method
6.4.2.2.9.1 Finding the Direct-Relation (Average) Matrix
6.4.3 Case Study 1: Decadal Changes in the Land Use Patterns in the East Kolkata Wetland
6.4.3.1 Overall Land Use/Cover Dynamics Through Three Decades
6.4.3.2 Water Body Dynamics Through Three Decades at East Kolkata Wetland
6.4.3.3 Identification of Causes Effecting Water Body Conversion
6.5 Case Study 2: A Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of Inland Wetland Dynamics (East Kolkata Wetlands)
6.5.1 Spectral Response of Water Bodies
6.5.2 Methodology: Spectra for Different Water Quality
6.5.3 Major Outcomes of the Remote Sensing-Based Assessment on the Water Quality and Vater Levels in East Kolkata Wetlands
6.6 Case Study 3: Ecosystem Service Valuation of EKW Using Geoinformatics
6.6.1 Reasons behind the Roles of Wetlands as Important Providers of Ecosystem Services
6.6.2 Different Ecosystem Services of Wetlands
6.6.2.1 Provisioning Services
6.6.2.2 Regulating Services
6.6.2.3 Habitat Services (or “Supporting Services”)
6.6.2.4 Cultural Services
6.6.3 Assessment of Ecosystem Service Value (ESV)
6.6.4 Determination of Importance of the Ecosystem Functions
6.6.5 Spatio-temporal Changing Pattern of Ecosystem Service Values
6.6.6 Changing Trend in Ecosystem Function
6.7 Analysis of Criteria Importance
6.8 Interpretation on the Findings on ESVs in EKWs
6.9 Characterization of Wetland Ecosystem by Assessing the Water Quality Parameters by GIS and Remote Sensing Methods: A Case Studies from East Kolkata Wetland Ecosystems
6.9.1 Seasonal Dynamics of Physicochemical Parameters of Water
6.9.2 Remote Sensing Technique: Image Pre-processing: Atmospheric Correction
6.9.3 Characterizing the Wetlands with the Help Landsat Associated Tools
6.9.3.1 Turbidity Mapping
6.9.3.2 Chlorophyll a Concentration Mapping
6.9.3.3 Mapping of Salinity (Chloride Concentration)
6.9.3.4 Suspended Solid Concentration Mapping
6.10 Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for the Classification on Delimitation of the Territory of Wetland
6.11 Ecological Status and Threats: Increment of Surface Imperviousness Due to Urban Sprawling
6.11.1 Urbanization in Kolkata: Impact on East Kolkata Wetlands
6.12 Concluding Remarks on the Efficacy of Remote Sensing and GIS
References
Chapter 7: Biodiversity and Its Functional Significance: Case Studies from East Kolkata Wetlands
7.1 Definition and Concept of Biodiversity
7.2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
7.3 Biotic Community, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
7.4 Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity in Asia
7.5 Biodiversity of Wetlands: Indian Scenario
7.5.1 Detailed Account of Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna
7.5.2 Diversity of Habitats: Zonations Within an Wetland and Associated Biodiversity
7.5.3 Some Primitive Group of Organisms in Freshwater Ecosystems
7.5.3.1 Unicellular Organisms as Archaea and Methanogens
7.5.3.2 Bacteria in the Aquatic Habitats
7.5.4 Wetlands Plants
7.5.4.1 Characteristics and Categories of Wetlands Plants
7.5.4.2 Distribution of Wetland Vegetation and Determining Ecological Variables
7.5.4.3 Generation and Refining of Hypotheses: Wetland Plants vs. Ecological Parameters
7.5.4.4 Vegetational Components of East Kolkata Wetlands, India
7.5.4.4.1 Eukaryotic Algae
7.5.4.4.2 Rhodophyceae (Red Algae)
7.5.4.4.3 Chrysophyceae (Golden Algae)
7.5.4.4.4 Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms)
7.5.4.4.5 Dinophyceae (Dinoflagellates)
7.5.4.4.6 Euglenophyceae (Euglenoids)
7.5.4.4.7 Chlorophyceae and Charophyceae (Green Algae)
7.5.4.5 Fungi in the Aquatic Habitats
7.5.4.6 Non-vascular Plants
7.5.4.6.1 Vascular Plants
7.5.4.6.2 Factors Determining the Distribution of Macrophytes
7.5.4.6.3 Macrophytes and Invertebrates: Use of Macrophytes by Invertebrates
7.5.4.6.4 Plant’ S Association and Free-Living Faunal Biodiversity of EKW
7.5.5 Studies on Aquatic Invertebrates: Strategies for Survival of Aquatic Organisms
7.5.5.1 Functional Groups of Wetland Ecosystems
7.5.5.2 Functional Responses: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Influences on Aquatic Ecosystems
7.5.6 Faunal Diversity of EKW
7.5.6.1 Association of Aquatic Plants with Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
7.5.6.2 Protozoa as Unicellular Faunal Inhabitants of Wetlands
7.5.7 Plankton
7.5.7.1 Phytoplankton and Eco-dynamics
7.5.7.2 Functional Groups of Phytoplankton
7.5.7.3 Phytoplankton Diversity as Indicator of Water Quality: Scenario of EKW
7.5.8 Zooplankton as the Secondary Producers in the Wetland Ecosystems
7.5.8.1 Taxonomic Survey of Zooplankton
7.5.8.2 Ecology and Distribution of Zooplankton
7.5.8.3 Diversity and Functional Ecological Roles of Zooplankton
7.5.8.3.1 Diversity of Cladocera
7.5.8.3.1.1 Status of Cladoceran Diversity in India
7.5.8.3.2 Diversity of Copepoda, a Dominating Group Zooplankta of Both Fresh Water and Saline Water
7.5.8.3.2.1 Major Orders Under Copepods with Their Species Diversity
7.5.8.3.3 Rotifera and Its Diversity
7.5.8.4 The Relationship Between Abiotic Factors and Biotic Factors with Special Reference to Zooplankton
7.5.8.4.1 Population Dynamics of Zooplankton: A Case Study from the East Kolkata Wetlands
7.5.8.4.2 Species Composition of Zooplankton and Relative Abundance (R.A. %)
7.5.8.4.3 Seasonal Fluctuation of Rotifera
7.5.8.4.4 Seasonal Fluctuation of Cladocera
7.5.8.4.5 Copepoda
7.5.8.4.5.1 Seasonal Fluctuation of Copepoda at EKW
7.5.8.4.5.2 Ecological Roles of Copepoda
7.5.8.4.6 Population Density of Zooplanktonic Species
7.5.9 Statistical Evaluation
7.5.9.1 Pearson’s Correlation Between Physicochemical Parameters of Water with Major Taxa of Zooplankton
7.5.9.2 Relationship of Physicochemical Parameters of Water with Major Species of Zooplankton
7.5.9.3 Relationship of Physicochemical Parameters of Soil with Major Taxa of Zooplankton
7.5.9.4 Duncan’s Analysis of Different Physicochemical Parameters of Water and Soil, Heavy Metals Within Water Hyacinth and Zooplankton Density
7.5.9.5 Seasonal Effect of Physicochemical Parameters of Water During July, 2008 to June, 2011
7.5.9.6 Seasonal Effect of Physicochemical Parameters of Soil During July, 2008 to June, 2011
7.5.9.7 Seasonal Effect of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cr, Cd and Hg) of Water Hyacinth During July, 2008 to June, 2011
7.5.9.8 Seasonal Effect of Zooplankton Density During July, 2008 to June, 2011
7.5.9.9 Temporal Variation of Zooplankton Density During July, 2008 to June, 2011
7.5.9.10 Canonical Correspondence Analysis: Assessment of Independent and Combined Effects of Ecological Variables at a Time
7.5.9.11 Population Dynamics of Zooplankton in EKW in the Backdrop of Indian Perspectives
7.5.10 Organic Phosphorus Dynamics in EKW
7.5.11 Functions of the Benthic Fauna: P and N Loading and Cycling
7.5.12 Eutrophication and Causative Biota: Management Strategies in EKW
7.5.13 Diversity of Benthos as Important Functional Biotic Component
7.5.13.1 Phylum Porifera
7.5.13.2 Phylum Cnidaria
7.5.13.3 Phyla Platyhelminthes and Nemertea
7.5.13.4 Phylum Rotifera
7.5.13.5 Phylum Nematoda
7.5.13.6 Phylum Annelida
7.5.13.7 Bryozoans: Phyla Bryozoans: Phyla Entoprocta and Ectoprocta
7.5.13.8 Phylum Arthropoda
7.5.13.8.1 Insects of Inland Waters
7.5.13.8.1.1 Aquatic Insects at EKW
7.5.13.8.1.2 Aquatic Insects: Life and Life History
7.5.13.8.1.3 Food of Aquatic Insects
7.5.13.8.1.4 Some Noted Groups of Aquatic Insects
7.5.13.9 Mollusca
7.5.14 Studies on Aquatic Vertebrates
7.5.15 Diversity of Flora and Fauna from Four Selected Study Sites of East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW)
7.5.15.1 Biodiversity Potentiality of EKW
7.5.15.2 Floral Diversity: Phytoplankton
7.5.15.3 Macrophytes of EKW
7.5.15.4 Biodiversity of Fauna in EKW Associated with Flora
7.5.15.4.1 Zooplankton
7.5.15.4.2 Aquatic Insects
7.5.15.4.3 Crustacean Species
7.5.15.4.4 Molluscan Species
7.5.15.4.5 Periphyton
7.5.15.4.6 Fish Fauna of EKW
7.5.15.4.7 Diversity of Wildlife of EKW
7.5.15.4.7.1 Reptilian Fauna
7.5.15.4.7.2 Avian Fauna
7.5.15.4.7.3 Mammalian Fauna
7.5.15.5 Avifaunal Biodiversity of EKWs
7.5.15.6 Avian Biodiversity vis-a-vis Loss of Wetlands
7.5.16 Microbial Communities
7.5.16.1 Bacterial Diversity in East Kolkata Wetlands
7.6 Importance of Detritus
7.7 Behavior and Interactions Among Microorganisms and Invertebrates
7.8 East Kolkata Wetlands: Nutrient Dynamics as Root Cause of Biodiversity Development
7.9 Piscicultural Practices with Prospective Constrains in EKW
7.10 Wetland Ecology in the Perspective of Biodiversity
7.11 Values of Biodiversity: Interlinkages of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
7.12 Summary of Biodiversity Potential of East Kolkata Wetlands
References
Chapter 8: Pollution, Environmental Perturbation and Consequent Loss of Wetlands
8.1 Ecological Potential and Ecological Health of Wetlands
8.1.1 Ecological Health of Wetland: An Indicator for Eco-assessment of River Ecosystem
8.2 Loss of Wetlands: Different Threats
8.2.1 Eco-degradation Leading to the Loss of Wetlands
8.3 Threats to East Kolkata Wetlands: Some Relevant Facts
8.4 Loss Wetlands in India: Threats to Ecological Balance on Wetlands
8.5 Chronic Losses of Wetlands: Alteration of Upper Watersheds
8.6 Bioinvasion and Introduced Species
8.7 Ecological Problems Faced by Wetlands with Special Reference to Pollution
8.7.1 Pollution of Wetland: Multidimensional Perspectives
8.7.2 Point and Non-point Sources of Pollution: Entry Path and Roles of Environmental Variables
8.8 Roles of Geo-Hydrological Factors on Pollutant’s Behaviour
8.9 Differential Biological Responses against Pollution Pressures
8.10 Environmental Perturbations Vis-a-Vis Anthropogenic Activities on the Habitats of Wetland Ecosystem
8.10.1 Deforestation and Contribution to the Ecosystem Functioning
8.10.2 Pollution from Agriculture as Non-point Sources
8.10.3 Environmental Impacts of Different Pollutions
8.11 Relevance of Input of Chemicals into Wetland Ecosystems
8.12 Surface–Water Pollution
8.13 Pollution of Wetlands with Nutrients: Eutrophication
8.14 Acidification of Wetlands and Consequences
8.15 Pollution of Wetlands by Organic Compounds
8.16 Climate Change on Wetland Ecosystems
8.16.1 Global Climate Change and Its Impact on Ecosystem Functioning of Wetlands
8.16.2 Impact of Climate Change: Alteration from Molecules to Wetland Ecosystem
8.16.3 Bioecological Impacts of Thermal Regimes on Fauna of Wetlands
8.16.4 Impact of Temperature: Experimental Evidences on Fresh Water Major Carp Species (Order Teleost: Class Pisces), India
8.16.5 Carbon Sequestration: An Option for the Mitigation of the Global Warming
8.17 Fish Diseases Leading to Ecological Disturbance Within Aquatic Ecosystems
8.18 Toxic and Persistent Pollutants in Wetlands Ecosystem
8.19 Toxic Organic Chemicals (TOCs): Sources and Background
8.20 Effect of Pesticides on Wetland Ecosystem: Ecosystem Stability and Resilience
8.21 Synthetic Detergents as Potential Water Pollutants in Wetland Ecosystem
8.22 Oil Spills: Impact on the Ecology of Wetlands
8.23 Plastics and Microplastics: Pollution Threats on Wetlands
8.24 Eco-physiological Adjustment of Aquatic Biota in Wetlands
8.25 Environmental Problems as Observed in the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), West Bengal, India
8.25.1 Natural and Anthropogenic Threats on East Kolkata Wetlands
8.25.1.1 Threats on East Kolkata Wetland’s Ecosystem: Past and Present Perspectives
8.26 Metals as Toxic Pollutants in the Wetland Ecosystem
8.27 Seasonal Dynamics of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cr, Cd and Hg): A Case Study from East Kolkata Wetland
8.27.1 Seasons and Climate
8.27.2 Selection of Study Sites for Detailed Ecological Study
8.27.3 Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF): An Indicator of the of Heavy Metals Pollution
8.28 Hydrogeological Assessment of Water Pollution: Surface Water vs. Groundwater Interaction
8.29 Pollution and Wetlands: Prospective Mitigation Strategies
References
Chapter 9: Bio-monitoring and Bio-remediation of the Ecological Changes in Wetlands: Case Studies from East Kolkata Wetlands
9.1 Bio-indicator – The Most Essential Component of Bio-monitoring
9.2 Relationships Between Bio-indicator and Bio-monitoring
9.3 Concept and Scope of Applicability: An Introductory Analysis
9.4 Relevance of Bio-monitoring as an Environmental Monitoring Tool
9.5 Bio-remediation: Definition, Concept, Types and Application
9.6 Phytoremediation a New Option: Competitive and Sustainable Solution for Heavy Metal Contamination
9.7 Biological Assessment on the Ecological Changes of Wetland Ecosystem: Roles of Bio-indicator Species
9.8 Acceptable Methods for Bio-monitoring
9.9 Biological Monitoring Programme (B.M.P.): New Approach in the Environmental Management
9.10 Biotic Indices and Their Applicability in the Assessment of Ecological Changes
9.10.1 The Saprobic Index of Pantle and Buck
9.10.2 Chandler Biotic Score (CBS)
9.11 Comparison of Physico-chemical Monitoring with Biological Monitoring
9.12 Advantages of Biological Assessment as the Part of Bio-monitoring in Wetland Ecosystem
9.13 Eco- and Bio-monitoring: Emerging Tools for Eco-assessment of Ecosystem Health
9.14 Criteria to Become a Successful Bio-indicator
9.15 Case Studies of Bio-monitoring of Four Ecologically Contrasting Wetlands of Kolkata, West Bengal, India Based on Zooplankton Eco-dynamics and Biotic Indices (CPV and SPV)
9.15.1 Selection of Study Sites
9.15.2 Deduction and Application of Biotic Indices: Species Pollution Value (SPV) and Community Pollution Value (CPV)
9.15.2.1 Deduction of Species Pollution Value (SPV)
9.15.2.2 Deduction of Community Pollution Value (CPV)
9.15.3 Calculation of Similarity Index
9.15.4 Seasonal Dynamics of Physico-chemical Parameters of Water
9.15.5 Relationship Between Physico-chemical Parameters of Water with CPV
9.15.6 Relationship Among Physico-chemical Parameters of Soil with CPV
9.15.7 Zooplankton as Bio-indicators at EKW
9.15.7.1 Species Composition of Zooplankton
9.15.7.2 Species Pollution Value and Community Pollution Value: Eco-assessment Tools for Wetlands Undergoing Eco-degradation
9.16 Rotifers, the Tiniest Zooplanktonic Fauna as Bio-indicator Organisms: A Case Study from the Riverine Networks of South West Bengal, India
9.17 Bio-monitoring of Aquatic Habitats with the Help of Aquatic Insects
9.18 Eco-Bio-monitoring of a Transboundary River, India by Molluscan Community Indices: A Case Study from the Riverine System from the South West Bengal, India
9.19 Molecular Biology and Physiology of Living Organisms for Bio-monitoring
9.20 Bio-monitoring of Aquatic Ecosystems with Molecular Markers: A Case Study from the South West Bengal, India
9.21 Deduction of WQI: As the Eco-monitoring Tool for the Eco-assessment of East Kolkata Wetlands
9.21.1 Pollution Load Index (PLI)
9.21.2 Bio-concentration Factor (BCF)
9.22 Seasonal Variation of Different Water Quality Indices Relating to Ecology of East Kolkata Wetland
9.22.1 Seasonal Variation of WQI
9.22.1.1 Seasonal Variation of Pollution Load Index (PLI)
9.22.1.2 Relevance of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) in the Eco-assessment of wetland Ecosystem
9.23 Bio-adjustment of Aquatic Organisms Against Heavy Metals
9.24 Eco-potential of Phytoremediation Along with Its Subgroups
9.24.1 Phytoextraction
9.24.2 Phytofiltration
9.24.3 Phytostabilization
9.24.4 Phytovolatilization
9.25 Bio-remediation and Roles of Macrophytes: A Case Study
9.26 Bio-remediation: Roles of Aspergillus (Fungi (F-12), a Fungus for the Removal of Metals)
9.26.1 Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Analysis): A Tool for the Assessment of Metal Removal Efficiency of Functional Groups
9.26.2 Soil-Inhabiting Bacteria of EKW as Bio-remediator
9.26.3 Chemical Partitioning and Risk Assessment Code: Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution at East Kolkata Wetland
9.27 Eco-restoration via Bio-monitoring and Bio-remediation: A Case Study on the Roles of Benthic Fauna from the Estuarine Wetlands
9.28 Phytoremediation: A Case Study from the East Kolkata Wetlands
9.29 Need for Bio-monitoring and Bio-remediation as Prerequisite for Wetlands Eco-management
References
Chapter 10: Sustainable Management and Conservation Strategies of Wetlands with Special Reference to East Kolkata Wetland, India
10.1 Global Environmental Issues, Crisis and Conservation
10.2 Perspectives and Distinctions of Conservation Biology: Historical and Social Requirements
10.2.1 The Origins of Conservation: Conservation in Historical Context
10.3 Forums for International Conservation: The United Nations and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
10.4 Management and Legislation for Wetland Conservation: Challenges in Habitat Conservation
10.5 Legal Frameworks on Jurisdiction and Management of Wetlands: Perspectives of Developing Countries
10.6 Ecosystem Management: A Prerequisite to Wetland Management and Conservation
10.7 Management of Biodiversity of Wetlands
10.8 Biomanipulation: An Option Towards Eco-friendly Conservation
10.9 Different Thrust Areas in the Eco-Management of Wetlands
10.10 Societal Perspectives: Social Potentials of Wetlands
10.11 Ecological Management of Wetland Ecosystem
10.12 Natural Water Management as a Prerequisite for Fishery Production in Wetlands
10.13 Remote Sensing and GIS Methods for Wetland Conservation and Management
10.14 Ongoing Programmes on Wetland Conservation: Action Plan of the Government of India
10.15 Awareness Building Programme for the Conservation of Wetlands
10.16 Sustainable Conservation Proposition for Wetland Ecosystems
10.17 The Integrated Approach Towards the Conservation of Wetlands: Special Reference to East Kolkata Wetlands
10.18 Ramsar Convention and Sustainability in Respect of Wetland Conservation
10.18.1 Criteria for Designating a Wetland as Ramsar Site
10.19 Wetland Management: Current Status
10.20 Sustainable Conservation Strategy: An Integrated Approach for EKW
References
Chapter 11: Conclusion on Eco-biological Uniqueness of Wetland Ecosystem with Special Reference with East Kolkata Wetlands, India
11.1 Wetlands as a Unique Landscape of the World
11.2 Wetland Functions and Values
11.3 Wetlands and Biodiversity
11.4 Present Threats and Pollution
11.5 Ramsar Convention: An Expedient for Conservation of Wetlands
11.6 Ramsar Convention and Wetlands in India
11.7 East Kolkata Wetlands and Eco-potentiality as Natural Waste Recycling System
11.8 Urbanization and East Kolkata Wetlands
11.9 Wastewater Aquaculture: Roles of Traditional Know-How of Local Peoples
11.10 Summary of the Case Studies on EKW (July, 2008–June, 2011)
11.10.1 Selection of Study Sites Based on Contrasting Ecological Characteristics
11.10.2 Geomorphological Evolution of East Kolkata Wetlands
11.10.3 Seasonal Variation of Ecological Parameters of the Studied Wetlands
11.10.4 Statistical Interpretation of Research Information
11.10.5 Application of GIS and Remote Sensing as a Tool to Assess Environmental Change
11.10.6 Biodiversity and Zooplankton: Seasonal Dynamics
11.10.7 Seasonal Dynamics of Zooplankton
11.10.8 Arrangement of the Status of Bio-indicator Species of Zooplankton
11.10.9 Ecological Relationship Among Selected Study Sites
11.10.10 Ecological Dynamics Made of Phytoremediation
11.10.11 Seasonal Dynamics of Heavy Metals
11.10.12 Seasonal Variation of Water Quality Indices
11.10.13 Pollution Load Index and Seasonal Dynamics
11.10.14 Seasonal Variation of Bio-concentration Factors
11.10.15 Seasonal Variation of Biotic Indices (SPV and CPV)
11.10.16 Status of Biodiversity and Trend of Temporal and Spatial Changes
11.10.17 Diversity and Distribution of Zooplankton
11.10.18 Eco-dynamics of Zooplankton and Relevance in Eco-management of Wetlands
11.11 The Cause of Wetland Degradation
11.12 Eco-management Strategies for the Sustainability of East Kolkata Wetlands
11.13 Hypothesis Pertaining to Ground Water–Surface Water Interaction: Functional Determinant of Wetland Ecosystem
References
Index