Macrophysics Diversity as an indicator of Eutrophication; a case study of Radar Sager, Ujjain, M.P., India

Aquatic ecosystem is the most diverse ecosystem in the world. An aquatic ecosystem provide the food, water, shelter and space essential for the survival of aquatic animals and plants. Fresh water habitats occupy a relatively small portion of the earth's surface as compared to marine and terrestrial habitats, but their importance to man is a greater than their areas. Fresh water is the most suitable and cheapest source for domestic and industrial needs and they provide convenient waste disposal system. The increased demand of water as a consequence of population growth, agriculture and industrial development has forced environmentalists to determine the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of natural water resources. The by product of agricultural activities, urbanization and industrialization result in pollution and degradation of the available water resources. Present study deals with the investigation of macrophytic diversity for making an assessment of water quality of Rudra Sagar which is one of perennial pond in Ujjain. The macrophytic species Eichhornia cressipes, Ipomea aquatic, Spirodella pilyrhiza, Limnophilla sessiliflora, Elodea sp., Ludwigia adscendence and Cyperus rotandus were observed. This study contributes to the limnology of this tropical aquatic ecosystem and will also help in conservation and better management of water bodies.