Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology

ABSTRACT

The impact of water pollution on some aquatic macrophytes was investigated in the post-monsoon season at selected lakes of Valsad district, Gujarat. India. The hypothesis was checked to assess the pollution - macrophyte relationship and to assess the role of various polluting factors on the distribution and composition of the macrophyte flora. Physicochemical parameters of the water were computed to assess the status of water conditions. The total number of 45 macrophytes flora was recorded, which belonged to 26 families. Cluster analysis as a classification method, yielded two conspicuous groups (X and Y). Group X indicates the polluted wetland, as its water quality suggests it so, and group Y indicates the non-polluted wetland, being better in its water quality. Thirty-one number of macrophyte species were present in the polluted wetland (group X) and forty macrophyte species were present in the non-polluted wetland (group Y) and Twenty-six macrophyte species were present in both groups. Species percentage of various groups monitor the ecological status of selected lakes. Araceae was the most abundant invasive family, which tolerates serious water pollution levels at the selected study site. Therefore, it can be considered as an indicator family for water pollution areas and can also be used for phytoremediation. Family Araceae is the pollution indicator. The consequence is plants as indicator can help lakes to be revived. 

Keywords: CCA; Macrophytes; Phytosociology; Water Pollution; Wetland; Indicator Plants; Araceae