Eutrophic Status of Narmada and Tapi Tropical Estuaries of Gujarat, India

Book excerpt: Estuaries are among the most complex and complicated ecosystems in the biosphere because they are at the interface of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems. Estuaries and the lands surrounding them are places of transition from land to sea and from fresh to salt water. Although influenced by the tides, estuaries are protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds, and storms by the reefs, barrier island or fingers of land, mud or sand that define an estuary's seaward boundary. In India, estuaries have been a focal point of activities for human settlement, for development of port and harbors. The health status and the biological diversity of the Indian estuarine ecosystem are deteriorating day-by-day through man-made activities and dumping of enormous quantities of sewage and industrial effluent. Estuaries are ecologically very important because it provides vital habitats for thousands of marine species. They are "nurseries of the sea", as it is an ideal location for fish, shellfish, and other marine animals to reproduce in protected environment and availability of abundant food. Besides, estuaries are important for the health of the oceans as it can filter sediment and pollutants from the water before it flows into the oceans. Estuaries are vulnerable to excessive loading of nutrients by runoff containing fertilizer and other pollutants. In recent decades, population growth and related activities (agricultural practices, wastewater treatment plants, urban run-off, and the burning of fossil fuels) have increased nutrient inputs by many folds than the levels that occur naturally. The present book Eutrophic Status of Narmada and Tapi Tropical Estuaries of Gujarat, India point-out an intensive study at two major estuaries (Narmada, Tapi) of Gujarat, India. The authors have investigated hydrochemistry, geochemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic community, along with site-specific problems and their suggestions in both the estuarine environs. This book will certainly be a ready reference guide to the students, researchers, academicians, scientists, and riverine and marine authorities of Gujarat and India, to enrich their knowledge in cutting edge of research in the field of estuarine ecology, biodiversity, conservation, restoration, and management.