Impact of Pollution on the Phytosociology of Aquatic Macrophytes

Abstract

The impact of water pollution on aquatic macrophytes was investigated during the post-monsoon season in selected lakes of Valsad district, Gujarat, India. The hypothesis was tested to assess the pollution-macrophyte relationship and to evaluate the role of polluting factors in the distribution and composition of macrophyte flora. Physicochemical parameters of the water were analysed to assess water quality. A total of 45 macrophyte species belonging to 26 families were recorded. Cluster analysis, used as a classification method, yielded two conspicuous groups (X and Y). Group X indicated the polluted wetland based on its water quality, whereas group Y indicated the non-polluted wetland, which had comparatively better water quality. Thirty-one macrophyte species were present in the polluted wetland (group X), 40 species were present in the non-polluted wetland (group Y), and 26 species were present in both groups. The species percentages of various groups reflected the ecological status of the selected lakes. Araceae was the most abundant invasive family and tolerated serious water pollution levels at the selected study site. Therefore, it can be considered an indicator family for water-polluted areas and may also be used for phytoremediation. Plants used as indicators can support lake restoration.