45
increases (either through natural processes or by
human activities), changes which occur in the lentic body are known as eutrophication. Conversely,
lakes which have a naturally low supply of nutrients are called oligotrophic. Productivity refers to
amount of new living matter formed in a certain
period of time.
3.2.8 Nutrients
The nutrients act as fertilisers for plants and their
supply determines the quantitative and qualitative growth of the plants. The most common
nutrients are nitrates and phosphates.
Summary
1. Physico-chemical characteristics of water
refer to the abiotic status of the water body.
2. It is essential to have a quantitative estimation
of abiotic environment in order to assess their
relationship with the biota.
3. Various tools are available today for quantitative estimation of various physico-chemical
parameters of water. However, the standard
methodology recommended by APHA is
generally largely followed. The physical
parameters include temperature, transparency
and turbidity. These are determined by thermometer, Secchi disc and nephalo-tubiditimeter, respectively. The chemical parameters
include pH, DO, FCO 2 , TA, conductivity as
well as the nutrients. They play a significant
role in productivity of the water body.
Suggested Readings
APHA (1995) Standard methods for the examination
of water and wastewater. American Public Health
Association, Washington, DC, pp xxxix + 1193
Downing JA, Rigler FH (eds) (1984) A manual on methods for the assessment of secondary productivity in
freshwaters. Blackwell Scientific Publications,
London, pp xxiv + 501
Goldman CR, Horne AD (1983) Limnology: Part I and II.
McGraw Hill International Student Edition, New
Delhi, pp vii + 263
Vollenweider RA (ed) (1974) A manual on methods for
measuring primary production in aquatic environments. Blackwell Scientific Publications, London,
pp xv + 225
Suggested Readings
increases (either through natural processes or by
human activities), changes which occur in the lentic body are known as eutrophication. Conversely,
lakes which have a naturally low supply of nutrients are called oligotrophic. Productivity refers to
amount of new living matter formed in a certain
period of time.
3.2.8 Nutrients
The nutrients act as fertilisers for plants and their
supply determines the quantitative and qualitative growth of the plants. The most common
nutrients are nitrates and phosphates.
Summary
1. Physico-chemical characteristics of water
refer to the abiotic status of the water body.
2. It is essential to have a quantitative estimation
of abiotic environment in order to assess their
relationship with the biota.
3. Various tools are available today for quantitative estimation of various physico-chemical
parameters of water. However, the standard
methodology recommended by APHA is
generally largely followed. The physical
parameters include temperature, transparency
and turbidity. These are determined by thermometer, Secchi disc and nephalo-tubiditimeter, respectively. The chemical parameters
include pH, DO, FCO 2 , TA, conductivity as
well as the nutrients. They play a significant
role in productivity of the water body.
Suggested Readings
APHA (1995) Standard methods for the examination
of water and wastewater. American Public Health
Association, Washington, DC, pp xxxix + 1193
Downing JA, Rigler FH (eds) (1984) A manual on methods for the assessment of secondary productivity in
freshwaters. Blackwell Scientific Publications,
London, pp xxiv + 501
Goldman CR, Horne AD (1983) Limnology: Part I and II.
McGraw Hill International Student Edition, New
Delhi, pp vii + 263
Vollenweider RA (ed) (1974) A manual on methods for
measuring primary production in aquatic environments. Blackwell Scientific Publications, London,
pp xv + 225
Suggested Readings