Total lipid content in macrophytes of Wular lake, A Ramsar site in Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate total lipid content in 15 fresh water macrophytes belonging to four ecological groups and examining the possible variations between the studied periods. The samples were obtained from nine sites throughout the Wular lake, during March to December 2011, spelling four seasons with determinations of lipid content of the aquatic macrophytes. No gross differences in the  lipid content, which in general ranged between 1 to 7.6% fresh weight, was observed in the various macrophytic species, however, with a clear pattern between seasons. Results of the investigation revealed that emergents and submergeds presented greater concentration of total lipids when compared with free floating and rooted floating macrophytes. There was a tendency to higher concentrations of total lipids in the tissues of  submerged macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum and Potamogeton crispus) in the early autumn  season (peak growth period) suggesting that this period presents better conditions to Ceratophyllum demersum and Potamogeton  crispus development in the Wular lake.   Key words: Aquatic macrophytes, ecological groups, total lipids, Ceratophyllum demersum,Potamogeton crispus, peak growth period.