Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Adnan Abubakr ¹, Afsah Nahvi ², M. R. D. Kundangar ³

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Camp: Shuhma, Alusteng, Srinagar-190 006, J&K, IN
2 Krishi VighyanKendra, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, IN
3 Lake Sciences & Water Management Department, SSM College of Engineering & Technology, Pattan, Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The wetlands of Kashmir are highly productive life support systems and are of immense socio-economical value to the people. The present studies concern with wetlands viz., Khushalsar, Anchar, Ahansar, Waskursar, Mansbal and Wular lake, which fall on the flood plains of River Jhelum and enjoy typical rural environment. The littoral zones of all these wetlands are occupied by emergent aquatic plants like Typha angustata and Phragmites communis, followed by ischolar_mained floating leafy aquatic plants like Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, and Trapa natans which are extensively used for fodder, food and medicinal purpose. In the present study survey of such valued aquatic plants, their density, frequency, phenology, dry weight and therapeutic values were recorded in order to assess their role in maintaining the health of their users. The distribution frequency and density of various aquatic plants varied from wetland to wetland which could be because of availability of nutrients and the nature of the bottom sediment. It has been observed that the local knowledge on such valued plants abounds and their use is an important link between the dwelling communities and the biodiversity of the area.

Keywords

Kashmir Wetlands, Aquatic Plants, Phenology, Biomass, Therapeutic Uses.

Full Text

   

Adnan Abubakr ¹

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Camp: Shuhama, Alasteng, Srinagar-190 006, Kashmir, IN

Abstract

Five common aquatic macrophytes (Phragmites communis, Typha angustata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna sp. and Salvinia natans) were planted and grown in different fibre glass tanks containing lake sediment and water, with an aim to study the changes brought about by these macrophytes in aquatic ecosystems. The study revealed that aquatic macrophytes in freshwater environment provide important ecosystem functions: (i) increase pH, creating conditions for volatilization of NH₄-N, precipitation of phosphorus and CaCO₃ (ii) enhancement of dissolved oxygen on account of high productivity creating drop in conductivity and making most cations and anions non-available in the ambient water (iii) prevent resuspension of sediment into water column and (iv) uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby improving overall quality of water.

Keywords

Dal Lake, Water Quality Changes, Aquatic Macrophytes.

Full Text

   

Adnan Abubakr ¹, M. R. D. Kundangar ²

Affiliations
1 S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Alasteng, Srinagar, Kashmir, IN
2 Limnology and Water Management Lab., Civil Engg. Deptt., SSM College Of Engineering, Parihaspora Pattan, Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The paper analyses attribute of plankton communities and macrophytes along with environmental variables of five floodplain lakes within Jhelum River basin, during various seasons of the year 2005-2006. The Bacillariophyceae dominated Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae in all the lakes whereas zooplankton communities were predominated by rotifers except for the deepest lake Manasbal, where copepods were the dominant group. A close association of Ceratophyllum- Myriophyllum and less frequently with Nymphoides was observed in all the lakes. The waters of all the studied lakes were alkaline and well buffered. The high content of chloride is indicative of presence of organic matter while progressive increase in nitrogen and phosphorus in all the lakes could be attributed to anthropogenic pressure and sewage contamination. The chemical parameters in all the lakes are on higher side when compared to earlier records.

Keywords

Jhelum River Basin, Floodplain Lakes, Biodiversity, Nutrient Enrichment, Plankton Community, Macrophytes.

Full Text

   

Monisa Malik ¹, M. H. Balkhi ¹, Adnan Abubakr ¹, Farooz Bhat ¹

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Rangil, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the trophic condition of Nagin Lake, Kashmir, based on its limnological features and bacterial load. A total of 15 limnological parameters were analysed, besides the bacterial load. The average values recorded were: air temperature (16.19±1.23°C), water temperature (12.40±0.92°C), depth (3.14±0.14 m), transparency (1.93±0.07m), TDS (149.52±5.66 mg.L^-1), TSS (95.63±3.27 mg.L^-1), pH (8.42±0.07), conductivity (260.61±12.16 μScm-1), dissolved oxygen (6.96±0.13 mg.L^-1), free carbon-dioxide (0.55±0.20 mg.L^-1), ammonia (199.6±10.34 μg.L^-1), nitrate (399.94±203μg.L^-1), total phosphorus (492.12±21.79μg.L^-1), orthophosphate (50.06± 2.83μg.L^-1) and chlorophyll-a (13.43±0.86μg.L^-1). Most of the parameters recorded higher values during the warmer seasons of summer and autumn. The bacterial load showed an increasing trend from winter to summer, showing its direct relation with temperature and inverse relation with the dissolved oxygen content. Carlson’s Trophic State Index was used to calculate the trophic state of the lake which showed higher values, suggesting the deteriorating condition of the lake water.

Keywords

Limnology, Bacterial Count, Nagin Lake, Carlson’s Index, Trophic State.

Full Text

   

Adnan Abubakr ¹, M. H. Balkhi ¹, Ashwani Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Division of Aquatic Environmental Management, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Rangil, Nagabal, Kashmir-190 006, IN
2 Division of Fish Nutrition & Biochemistry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Rangil, Nagabal, Kashmir-190 006, IN

Abstract

The Nigeen lake is the deepest and most attractive basin of Dal lake which has attracted foreign tourists because of its placid waters and calm environment. The lake water besides recreation is also being used for cultivation of vegetable and potable purposes. In the recent years huge settlements have come up around the Nigeen lake on all sides reaching to a population of more than twelve thousand souls in the immediate catchment, which excludes the boat population and floating population who live in about fifty house boats within the lake. Raw sewage entering the lake has enriched the freshwater of Nigeen to a large extent. Statistically, ANOVA test showed significant variation in transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, calcium, nitrogen and phosphorus indicating clear variation between littoral and pelagic zones. The present paper is an attempt to assess its present water quality status and to record the chemical enrichment of the lake water over a period of time.

Keywords

Lake Nigeen, Trophic Level, Eutrophication, Water Quality.

Full Text