Behavioural Distributions of Macrophytes in an Oxbow Lake, Dhir Beel With Reference to its Water Quality in Assam, India

Arup Nama Das, Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Baridua, 9th Mile, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, INDIA-793101Follow
D. K. Sharma, Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Baridua, 9th Mile, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, INDIA-793101Follow

Abstract

An Oxbow lake, Dhir Beel, situated in Western Assam, India, stands as a habitat for a plethora of plant and animal species, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem within its freshwater environs. This study sought to address concerns surrounding pollution, encroachment, siltation, and overfishing within Dhir Beel. Over a span of three years (2016-2019), samples were meticulously collected from five distinct sites to analyze both water quality and macrophyte populations. Employing the APHA method, the physico-chemical parameters of the water were evaluated, while a comprehensive identification process was undertaken to categorize the macrophytes. These aquatic plants, spanning dicots, monocots, and pteridophytes, were classified into various habitats including Emergent Aquatic Macrophytes (EAM), Free Floating Aquatic Macrophytes (FFA), Marshy Aquatic Macrophytes (MAM), and Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes (SAM), observed across both summer and winter seasons. The findings unveiled a total of 82 species, with dicots, monocots, and pteridophytes comprising 38, 40, and 4 species respectively. Oxbow lake, Dhir Beel exhibited diverse habitat forms, with EAM and FFA each occupying 25 % of the habitat, while MAM and SAM collectively represented 24 %. Diversity analysis showcased substantial macrophyte diversity underscoring the imperative for strategic conservation efforts within this ecologically precious oxbow lake.

Article History

Received: Apr 09, 2024; Accepted: May 04, 2024; Published: Jun 30, 2024

Recommended Citation

Das, A. N., & Sharma, D. K. (2024). Behavioural Distributions of Macrophytes in an Oxbow Lake, Dhir Beel With Reference to its Water Quality in Assam, India, Journal of Bioresource Management, 11 (2).

Download