Diverse role of Macrophytes in aquatic ecosystems: A brief review

Mitu De; Chayanika Roy; Suchismita Medda; Sulagna Roy; Santi Ranjan Dey

doi:10.52756/ijerr.2019.v19.005

Authors

Mitu De Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata-54, India
Chayanika Roy Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata-09, India
Suchismita Medda M.R.K.C. Balika Vidyalaya, Domjhur, Howrah, India
Sulagna Roy Department of Botany, Shantipur College, Nadia, India
Santi Ranjan Dey Department of Zoology, Rammohan College, Kolkata-09, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2019.v19.005

Keywords:

Aquatic ecosystem, macrophytes, structuring communities

Abstract

The aquatic ecosystem is composed of aquatic flora and fauna which interact together in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem. Aquatic macrophytes are macroscopic forms of aquatic vegetation, including macro algae, mosses, ferns and angiosperms found in aquatic habitat. Macrophytes of freshwater ecosystems have diverse roles to play in the structure and functioning of these aquatic ecosystems. The depth, density, diversity and types of macrophytes present in a system are indicators of water body health. Aquatic vegetation can influence the water quality too. Macrophytes are considered as an important component of the aquatic ecosystem as the habitat and food source for aquatic life. Of all the biological treatments for controlling eutrophication, submerged macrophytes, has been recognized as being the most effective. This paper is a brief review of the diverse role of macrophytes in an aquatic ecosystem.

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