Diversity of Aquatic Macrophytes of Sankar Beel (Wetland) of Golaghat District of Assam with Special Reference to Physicochemical Water Quality Parameters

Abstract

The Sankar Beel (wetland) (N 26031′57.0936 and E 93053′0.0006) is considered to be one of the main wetlands of Golaghat serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The aquatic macrophytes are the chief source of food, and fodder for the aquatic ecosystem of the Beel because of their diversity and abundance. Most of the aquatic macrophytes are naturally occurring, well adapted for their surroundings, and play an important role in balancing the ecosystem of the wetland. The aquatic macrophytes which are available can improve the quality of water by absorbing nutrients with their effective root systems and thus control the level of water pollution. Moreover, the wetland may be a good habitat for migratory birds also. However, the rapidly increasing human population, large-scale changes in land cover, and various urban development lead to wetland degradation and are considered to be a big challenge to the entire human community. Therefore necessary actions like conservation, preservation of the aquatic species, and development of the wetland are of utmost necessity to solve the problems.