Harike Wetland Research Articles

Spatiotemporal microplastic occurrence study of Harike wetland, A Ramsar wetland of India

Ramsar wetlands are one of the least investigated areas for microplastic contamination. Harike wetland is located downstream of the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. Rivers are nature's drainage systems, which collect waste from everywhere and move ahead. On the same note, the Harike wetland, the largest wetland in North India, is an ideal home for migratory birds and aquatic animals. The water in the canal and the fish living within it have been examined for microplastics. Results revealed that the number of microplastics did not significantly differ between sites 1 and 2, but showed a seasonal variation with higher levels observed in the winter season compared to summer and the rainy season. The most common types of plastics detected in the wetland and canal were HDPE and nylon, which were further analyzed using conformational tests, ATR-FTIR, and GC-MS techniques. Additionally, microplastics measuring less than 5mm in size were recovered from the gut of Cyprinus carpio fish, with a 7% recovery rate from the total number of fish analyzed. Although this percentage may seem low, it cannot be ignored given the potential impact on the aquatic environment. This percentage may be less, but it is not ignorable. Indeed, the amount of poorly managed plastic garbage generated by people living around or illegal outskirts garbage dumping near rivers and tributaries is a potential source of aquatic debris.

Micro-essential and toxic heavy metals in surface water of Harike wetland - India

Wetlands are consequential habitats with diverse flora and fauna. The overutilization of these habitats led to the implementation of conservational strategies which includes Ramsar convention. Harike wetland is the largest wetland in northern India, declared as a Ramsar site. However, the recent industrialization and anthropogenic activities may result in the ecological degradation of this wetland. The wetland is eminently polluted due to industrial discharges, therefore the present study was undertaken to investigate heavy metal status of Harike wetland. The analysis included bio-essential (chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc) and non-essential (arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead) heavy metals. The concentration of heavy metals in the surface water was determined using inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry and the recovered values were compared to the global and national standards. Among all the heavy metals analysed the mean concentrations of iron (437.983 µg/l), mercury (4.011 µg/l) and lead (156.719 µg/l) were recorded to be alarming. The higher concentration of heavy metals may be directly related to the inlet from river Sutlej, as the water is contaminated by various industrial, domestic and agricultural sources. Therefore, continuous monitoring and adequate measures need to be implemented to improve the water quality of internationally recognized wetland.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Water of Harike Wetland, India: Source and Health Risk Assessment

Amidst industrialization and urbanization, wetlands face pollution challenges. We investigated the seasonal distribution of five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in the surface water of Harike wetland. The surface water samples were collected from four different stations selected along Harike wetland. Our results indicate As, Cr, and Zn levels were within WHO standards, however, Cd in winter (7.07 µg/L), monsoon (4.45 µg/L), and post-monsoon seasons (3.13 µg/L) exceeded the limits. Pb surpassed the standards in winter (278 µg/L) and monsoon seasons (14.5 µg/L). In winter, Pb and Cd had higher levels, and the pollution level was classified as moderate. Cd, however, was categorized under light pollution status during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The health risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for both ingestion and dermal pathways were within the safety limits (HQ < 1 and HI < 1) for both population groups (adults and children). The multivariate statistical analysis reported the correlation and further indicated different sources of heavy metals from nearby industries, agriculture, and mining. This research highlights the importance of continued monitoring and emphasizes the potential for positive environmental changes, as exemplified by the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings hold global relevance and offer valuable input for the development of precise action plans aimed at elevating water quality standards on an international scale.

Detrimental influence of industrial effluents, especially heavy metals, on limnological parameters of water and nutritional profile in addition to enzymatic activities of fish, Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) from diverse Ramsar sites, India (Punjab).

The present research was designed to determine the nutritive value of the liver and intestine of fish, Sperata seenghala, the impact of effluence load on limnological parameters of water and proximate composition of fish organs, especially on fatty acids, liver enzymatic activities, seasonal variations in the nutritional profile of fish, and to check and compare the pollution status of Ramsar sites in Punjab by calculating the water quality index, heavy metal pollution index, and metal index from June 2018 to August 2020. WQI of Harike wetland was found to be 53.95, which depicts that water quality in this region is "poor". At Nangal wetland, water quality index was reported to be "excellent" quality water and fit for the whole ecological unit. Overall heavy metal pollution index for Harike wetland was reported 174.569, whereas for Nangal wetland it was 5.994, depicting massive contaminant loads in a polluted region. MI value was also recorded as being higher (6.9336) in polluted habitat than in control habitat (0.8175). In fish liver, significant (p < 0.05) higher mean total lipids (6.73%), total proteins (3.98%), moisture (77.69%), ash (3.56%), and carbohydrates (3.79%) were observed in the samples from Nangal wetland than Harike wetland. A similar trend was reported in all biochemical contents of the fish intestine. Enzyme activities such as aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the specimens collected from the polluted region. The mean total n-3 (except in spring), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (except in winter), and average monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids diminished significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver of fish from contaminated habitat than control site. In the intestine of fish collected from the polluted region, significant reductions in the mean total n-3 (except in autumn as well as summer), total n-6 PUFAs (in autumn and winter), and total SFAs were reported than control site.

Contamination of Water and Sediments of Harike Wetland with Phthalate Esters and Associated Risk Assessment

Phthalate esters (PEs) are esters that are used as plasticizers and are widely known for their contamination and toxicological effects on various environmental matrices. The present study is designed to observe the co-occurrence of phthalate esters and their ecotoxicological and human health risk assessments on Harike wetland, Ramsar, a site recognized globally, is the largest freshwater wetland in Northern India. During the winter, summer, and monsoon seasons, samples of the water and sediments were collected. These samples were then analyzed for ubiquitously detected seven PEs as per the literature survey using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. According to the results, the total PEs content in the water sample ranged from 31.5 to 95.6 mg/L, whereas in the sediments it ranged from 35.1 to 345.2 mg/100 g dw. Prominent levels of PEs in water and sediments from the Harike wetland were discovered when compared to studies from different parts of the world. Based on drinking water consumption there is a potentially high risk of PEs especially benzyl butyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate. Further, as per the US Environmental Protection Agency, chronic values of PEs levels in water and sediments are expected to possess a threat to sensitive organisms present in freshwater ecosystems. As far, as this is a detailed study that described the levels and ecotoxicological risks of PEs and is an important reference for the protection of aquatic organisms in the Harike wetland.

Seasonal composition of avian communities in different habitats of Harike Wetland, a Ramsar site in Punjab, India

The documentation of avifauna of Harike wetland was carried out during November, 2019 to November, 2021 in different habitats and seasons. A total of 225 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 61 families were recorded; 18 fall under the Red List of IUCN, with 11 categorized as Near Threatened, six vulnerable, and one Endangered. Order Passeriformes had the greatest number of species, and mosaic habitats with diverse vegetation showed the highest bird diversity. This study will aid future conservation measures and wetland management programs.

Comparative studies on age and growth patterns of cultivated and wild Catla catla (Hamilton)

Catla catla (Hamilton) is one of the fastest growing Indian major carps (IMCs) with increasing market demand. Consistent demand and exploitation invites the attention of ichthyologists for its conservation strategies. Age and growth studies play a pivotal role for managing the fishery stocks in different water bodies. Here, we studied the age and growth patterns using opercula of both farm grown as well as the wild grown C. catla adopting standard methodologies. Wild specimens were caught from Harike wetland (Ramsar site) and the cultivated one from a farm at Dhudike in Punjab. High value of correlation coefficient ‘r’ 0.976 (wetland) and 0.983 (farm) reveals the strong relationship in total length and operculum radius of the fish. C. catla achieved average total length from wetland and farm, respectively at 1st (273.44 mm) 2nd (427.44 mm) 3rd (525.49 mm) 4th (624.52 mm) 5th (744.98 mm) 6th (813.62 mm) and 1st (282.1 mm) 2nd (463 mm) 3rd (601.7 mm) year of age of opercular bones study. The growth parameters such as, index of species average size (φh) 135.6 (wetland) and 200.6 (farm), growth constant (Clt) showed two growth phases from both localities i.e. sexual immaturity up to 2 years and sexual maturity afterwards. Whereas, growth characteristic (Cth) has revealed irregular growth pattern at wetland in comparison to growth of fish from farm. The results of this study concluded that the fish experienced more growth from the farm due to better and controlled conditions but, in wetland surrounding conditions were observed to be unfavourable for survival of the fish C. catla.

Impact of industrial effluents on physico-chemical parameters of water and fatty acid profile of fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), collected from the Ramsar sites of Punjab, India.

In this contemporary era, wetlands and the entire aquatic diversity are suffering from major pollution problem. Not only the aggregation of higher population in metropolitan causes the production of plenty of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes, but also the high-technological industries contribute to a mammoth of wastes in the ecosystem. During the process of industrial effluent discharge into the water bodies, the toxic substances available in these wastes can affect the aquatic flora and fauna, resultantly disturbing the entire system and constituting human health hazards indirectly or directly. The objective of this study was to estimate the nutritional value of the liver and intestine of fish which is being discarded as waste during fish processing and pollution status by calculated water quality index (WQI) and comparison of both wetlands during diverse seasons. WQI of Harike Wetland was observed to be 56.68 which indicates that water quality in this wetland is “poor”, while at Nangal Wetland WQI was calculated to be 39.54 and comes under “good” water quality and safe for the entire ecosystem. HPI (heavy metal pollution index) for Harike Wetland was observed 144.9 and for Nangal Wetland was 3.12, indicating heavy load of heavy metal pollution at test sample site. MI (metal index) value was also detected higher at test sample site (4.76) as compared to that at control site (0.22). The mean total n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) declined in the liver of test fish samples (Harike Wetland) as compared to control fish (Nangal Wetland) samples except in winter season. Similarly, mean total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were also found to decline significantly (p<0.05) in the liver of test fish sample as compared to control fish sample during autumn and winter seasons. Significant (p<0.05) decline of mean total n-3 PUFAs (except winter) and total n-6 PUFAs (except rainy) in the intestine of test fish sample was observed during all the seasons when compared to control fish samples. However, total SFAs were found to increase in the intestine of test fish samples as compared to control fish samples during all the studied seasons. In the present investigation, fluctuations recorded in the water quality parameters and major groups of FAs in the tissues were due to the geographical location and pollution load in the fish samples taken from Harike Wetland.

Assessment of Limnological Parameters and Water Quality Indices of Harike Wetland (Ramsar Site), Punjab (India)

Study on water quality parameters of Harike Wetland, Punjab was conducted from June 2018 to August 2019 at three representative sites: Site 1, Site 2, Site 3 and mean value was calculated. The study period was divided into various seasons: Rainy (June to August), Autumn (September to November), Winter (December to February), Spring (March to Mid April) and Summer (Mid April to end June). The different water quality parameters include: water temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, nitrates and phosphates. The average values of all parameters were compared with ISI, ICMR and WHO standards for drinking water quality. Correlation coefficient between various physico-chemical parameters was recorded using Pearson Correlation analysis. High Impact of pollution load from various sources on seasonal variations and water quality parameters were observed especially on pH, nitrates and phosphates. pH showed significant negative correlation with all other water quality parameters except phosphates. However, water temperature (except DO), alkalinity, TDS and nitrates represented significant positive correlation with all other physico-chemical parameters. The water quality values were observed to be 53.56 thus, it can be concluded that overall water quality at Harike wetland is “Poor” due to human activities and pollution load (industrial effluents) which affect its quality and quantity. The inadequate availability of freshwater resources can pose serious threat to aquatic biodiversity and render its unfit for human consumption.

Existence of Microplastic as Pollutant in Harike Wetland: An Analysis of Plastic Composition and First Report on Ramsar Wetland of India

Wetlands are ecologically important and productive environments which help in several global processes. Microplastic pollution is an environmental issue of great concern. The studies related to this issue have been reported chiefly on the marine environment whereas freshwater ecosystems especially wetlands are receiving less consideration. Harike wetland is a northern largest wetland of India with area at present of 86km2. It is home to several migratory birds along with being rich in fish diversity. In this study the presence and type of microplastic in surface water of Harike wetland were investigated. Two types of microplastic are found in harike wetland namely nylon (Nylon 6) and high density polyethylene with size ranging from 4mm to 60µm. Results from the FTIR, RAMAN and GC-MS confirmed the presence of microplastic in Harike wetland. Rivers Sutlej and Beas could be a source of sewage input towards Harike wetland thereby being the reason of microplastic contamination in it. This study insights better understanding of microplastic pollution in wetlands giving way towards the threat that microplastic transfer could cause through the food chain and affect other organisms.

MAPPING AND MONITORING OF WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY ON HARIKE AND KESHOPUR WETLAND OVER PUNJAB REGION, INDIA

Wetland plays a vital role in sustainable ecological development. They hold balanced environment conditions and filter the surface and sub-surface water and moderate the local weather condition. But now-a-days wetlands are shrinking quickly all over world due to climate change &amp; anthropogenic activities and extinction of wetlands agitates the local environmental conditions with contexts to water and soil conditions. This study is mainly focused on climate change impacts on wetland ecosystems over Harike and Keshopur wetland in Punjab region, India. Harike wetland is one of largest wetland in northern part of India, which is designated as Ramsar site. The Landsat imageries and climate parameters (includes land surface temperature and rainfall) have been used to extract spatial and temporal information over wetlands during period from 2009 to 2020. Landsat data have been analysed in two phases: Pre-monsoon and Post-Monsoon. Wetland area has been classified into five different classes: agriculture, water, built-up, aquatic vegetation1, and aquatic vegetation2. These analyses showed that wetland area has been reduced over a period of ten years and much area has been converted in agricultural land and built-up. The intense anthropogenic activities have resulted more changes in the wetland over both regions. The present study specifies that wetland ecosystem monitoring is essential for policy makers for sustainable management and also concluded that the significant reduction of highly biodiversity wetland area is required to conserve.

Alterations in ultra-structures and elemental composition of ovaries of Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan) as a pollution indicator in Harike Wetland (Ramsar Site), India

ABSTRACT Teleosts are the largest class of bony fishes and account for more than 90% of fish species. Their reproductive systems are the key feature to adopt gradual evolutionary change under aquatic environmental conditions. Aquatic ecosystems are faced with a serious threat to their proliferation due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents into them. Here, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the damaged ovaries of the freshwater fish Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan), due to their exposure to different heavy metals in the polluted waters of Harike Wetland in Punjab, India. Deformed oocytes with rough and distorted surfaces were observed in SEM. Microscopic analysis showed that environmental pollution caused by municipal effluents had damaged the microstructural surface on the fish ovaries. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also showed damage of the microstructural surface and an abnormal deposition of heavy metals. The alterations in the reproductive system of the fish appeared to be the most responsive and a reliable indicator of environmental pollution, which indicates their significance in aquatic biomonitoring systems. This is the first report in North India showing tissue level markers in biomonitoring programs using the ovary of Labeo rohita as the model system. Microscopic analysis showed that environmental pollution caused by municipal effluents damaged the microstructural surface of the fish ovaries.

Assessment of water quality of Holy Kali Bein rivulet (Punjab) India, using multivariate statistical analysis

ABSTRACT Classification of water quality is a valuable method for reporting quality status of a water body that can help to control pollution in monitored sites. In this study water quality of rivulet Holy Kali Bein in the state of Punjab, India was analysed by using water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical analysis on the bases of measured water quality parameters from five sampling sites (K1-K5) during the period 2017–2018. Discriminant analysis (DA) and WQI were applied to examine spatiotemporal changes and to spot possible pollution sources. These changes in water quality parameters were analysed by using stepwise DA method. The first spatial discriminate function (DF1) accounted for 96.9%, second discriminate function (DF2) accounted 2.1%, DF3 accounted for 0.8% and DF4 accounted only 0.2% of the total spatial variance. Similarly, the first temporal DF1 accounted for 80.1% and DF2 accounted for 19.9% of total temporal variance. The water quality index (WQI) score showed good water quality at sites K1 (30.67), K2 (43.98) and K3 (51.25). The sites K4 (64.50) and K5 (62.89) showed poor water quality status. The present investigation represents the first of its type undertaken on the rivulet Holy Kali Bein and shows that the water quality of the rivulet is good at origin and when we move towards its confluence point at Harike wetland (Ramsar site) water quality becomes poor due to input of municipal wastes and agricultural activities discharge at the bank of the rivulet. This observation is supported by the calculated WQI for different sites. The work is original in nature based on the primary data collected by the authors personally.

Study on Biometric Parameters and Genetic Diversity of Labeo rohita from Harike Wetland-A Ramsar Site

Background: Harike wetland (31°08¢ N to 31°23¢ N latitudes and 74°90¢ E to 75°12¢ E longitudes) is an internationally important Ramsar site, supports rare, vulnerable and endangered plants, fish and other faunal species. Weed infestation, pollution and encroachment are considered as important threats of its biota thus time series data with respect to fish diversity, catch composition and genetic variability has an utter importance to interpret changes over time. Cyprinidae family of freshwater fishes includes carps is the largest fish family found in Harike wetland comprising around 50% of total fish composition by weight basis and among carps, Rohu (Labeo rohita) is one of the commercially important food fish species available throughout the year and preferred by consumers. As river Beas and Sutlej, two major rivers of Indus river system confluence at Harike thus possibility of variation within fish stock is very high. With this background present study was carried out to evaluate the fish biodiversity and catch composition of Harike wetland. Study also emphasized on biometrics, length –weight relationship and genetic diversity based on mitochondrial marker genes of commercially important food fish Labeo rohita. Methods: Assessment of fish catch composition and diversity were conducted in landing centre adjacent to Harike wetland through Rapid Fisheries Assessment by Market Survey (RFAMS) technique. Fin tissue samples were collected for genetic diversity analysis of L. rohita by cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing, From the fish genomic DNA a partial fragment of approximately 655bp was PCR amplified by FishF1 (5'-TCAACCAACCACAAAGACATTGGCAC-3') and FishR1 (5'-TCGACTAATCATAAAGATATCGGC AC-3') primer pair. Calculation of intraspecific mean and pairwise distances was performed by MEGA 6.0 software using the K2P parameters Results: Total 30 species of fishes were recorded from Harike wetland and these belong to 14 families and 21 genera. In L. rohita average weight (Wt), total length (TL), standard length (SL) and forked length (FL) were recorded 2600±5.64g (1700-3600 g), 58.2±5.65 cm (51.3-67.6cm), 48.0±8.54 cm (42.5-55.5cm) and 46.0±0.25 cm (38.0-54.5cm), respectively. Biometric study revealed that sufficient numbers of mature L. rohita are available in wetland. L. rohita established negative algometric growth (b= 2.701); thus species became slender as it increased in length. The pairwise distances ranged from 0.00 to 18.49% with a mean ±S.E value of 4.70%±0.40. Total of 9 haplotypes were observed in L. rohita COI sequences. The diversity in haplotype and nucletide values were observed 0.848 and 0.024, respectively. The present study states that L. rohita stocks in Harike wetland are genetically diverse.

Quantification of multielements for mobilization study in water and sediments of Satluj River and Harike Wetland using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

The study of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and concentration distribution of multielements including toxic elements in river–wetland ecosystem at different locations of Satluj River and Harike Wetland were carried out to understand the mobilization behavior of elements including toxic elements. The concentrations of multi-elements in water and sediments were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) utilizing reactor neutrons, respectively. The concentration values are found to be within permissible limit set by WHO and BIS. The concentration factors of selected common elements namely Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn and As were evaluated utilizing their corresponding concentrations in water and sediment samples.

Remote sensing and GIS based analysis of temporal land use/land cover and water quality changes in Harike wetland ecosystem, Punjab, India

Wetlands help in maintaining ecological balance in an area, but are shrinking fast all over the world. A study was conducted on the Harike wetland in Punjab state of India to analyze temporal changes in land use/land cover (LULC), water spread area and water pollution by using RS and GIS techniques. The LULC map of Harike wetland ecosystem covering an area of 22213.91 ha was prepared through on-screen visual interpretation of multispectral Resourcesat 2 LISS-IV satellite data (2014 and 2018) having spatial resolution of 5.8 m. Area under agriculture, forest and built up increased and that under waste land, water bodies and wetland decreased during 2014–18. The rate of increase in agricultural land was quite high (18.87 ha/year) during 2006–2014, but reduced to 3.53 ha/year during 2014–2018. The built up land increased comparatively at low rates (0.87 and 0.90 ha/year). Areas under waste land, water bodies and wetland decreased at the rate of 4.32, 1.61 and 13.80 ha/year during 2006–2014 and 2.37, 0.34 and 1.71 ha/year during 2014–2018, respectively. The water spread area of Harike wetland which was 4073 ha and 4166 ha in year 2002 and 2006 reduced to 3918.98 ha and 3910.56 ha in the year 2014 and 2018, respectively. However, wetland ponded area shrinked at a rate of 30.37 ha/year during 2006–2014 and 2.11 ha/year during the period 2014–2018. The area under low and medium turbidity increased by 22.02% and 15.2%, respectively, but decreased by 49% under high turbidity during 2014–18. Wetland water was observed to be rich in macro and micronutrients. The pH, BOD and COD of wetland water increased by 0.51, 9.7 mg/l and 24 mg/l, respectively, during 2002–14 and by 0.03, 2.0 mg/l and 5.92 mg/l, respectively during 2014–18. Interaction between land use, water quality, water inflow, ground water and wetland area has also been studied. Intensive cultivation and declining groundwater levels in the area are negatively affecting the wetland. This necessitates regular monitoring of wetland structural components and water quality along with an urgent plan in place for conservation, rehabilitation and management of Harike wetland ecosystem in participatory mode.

Study of Toxic Elements in River Water and Wetland Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Pollution Monitor.

The concentration of toxic elements present in surface water of Sutlej River and Harike wetland besides Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, is estimated employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Toxic elements such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn) are identified in the river as well as in Harike wetland catchment. Accumulation of elements in different parts of the water hyacinth plant is observed with the roots exhibiting maximum affinity followed by stem and then leaves. The removal efficacy of pollutants by water hyacinth is estimated using bioconcentration factor (BCF) index. It is found to be different for different elements, with Mn showing the highest and U the lowest magnitude. The study carried out in the present work indicates that rhizofiltration could play an important role in controlling pollutant load.

A spatio‐temporal water quality assessment of the Beas and Sutlej Rivers at the Harike Wetland: A Ramsar site in Punjab, India

AbstractLakes play a vital role in regulating water storage, flow of river water, and ultimately maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Spatial and temporal variations in physicochemical parameters of water in Harike Wetland, a Ramsar site in the northwestern state of Punjab, India, were studied. This study was conducted on a monthly basis from January to December 2015. The water quality was studied at ten locations from sites 1 to 10 upstream, central and downstream from Harike Lake for ten physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen concentration biological oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate concentrations and salinity. The findings of this study revealed that, except for temperature and pH, all parameters exhibited relatively higher values for the Sutlej River, compared with the Beas River, with sampling sites 5 to site 7 exhibiting intermediate results. The mean seasonal temperature variations ranged from 16.9 to 26.6 °C, the pH from 7.7 to 8.2, electrical conductivity from 223 to 303 μS cm−1 and TDS concentration from 148.7 to 180.4 ppm. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relations between the variables. The electrical conductivity exhibited a high positive correlation with salinity and biological oxygen demand, whereas it correlated negatively with the dissolved oxygen concentration. Box and whisker plots were also plotted for the study results to better examine the data distribution.

Geospatial technology applied to spatiotemporal assessment of Harike Wetland, Punjab

AbstractThe Harike Wetland situated in Punjab is a Ramsar site and a wetland of national importance. The present study was undertaken to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetland on the basis of geospatial technology and ground‐based studies. Landsat images for the years 2002 and 2014 were acquired from the United States Geological Survey and classified digitally to generate landuse/land cover maps involving four classes (water, grassland (including water hyacinth), agriculture, built‐up (settlement), barren land). The total area of the Harike Wetland was found to be 8023.68 ha. Water sampling at eleven sites was carried out and evaluated for physicochemical parameters. The water quality at several sampling points was found to be severely degraded. Change detection analysis revealed the submerged area (area under water) and grassland (including water hyacinth) had decreased over the past 12 years, whereas that area under agriculture and built‐up land has increased, indicating a shrinkage in the total wetland area. The present study also indicated that the near‐infrared band is a good indicator of water quality parameters, as indicated by the significant positive correlation between the near‐infrared band and relevant water parameters. Because the wetland is important from both an ecological perspective and economic perspective, regular monitoring is recommended, for which geospatial technology has proven to be very useful.

Fish Catch Composition and Biodiversity Indices at Harike Wetland-A Ramsar Site in India

The present study was carried out to evaluate the fish biodiversity and catch composition in Harike Wetland, Punjab. Total 37 fish species were recorded from Harike wetland and these belong to 14 families and 25 genera. Maximum number of species (16) recorded under family Cyprinidae followed by Bagridae (4 species) and Siluridae (3 species). Maximum number of species was recorded in May and minimum in July. Dendrogram from Bray-Curtis similarity matrix revealed close association among family Bagridae, Siluridae Channidae Notopteridae and family Cyprinidae dominated the catch composition and established as the controlling factor of the overall fish catch composition in the Harike wetland. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) ordination of the fish family revealed family Cyprinidae contributed the maximum variability. Shannon's index revealed light polluted nature of Harike wetland during pre-monsoon whereas, during the monsoon moderate polluted nature of Harike wetland has been observed. Pielou's evenness index revealed moderate evenness of the abundance of the fish population in Harike wetland. Margalef Richness Index revealed richness in fish biodiversity of this wetland. It can be concluded that despite of different natural and anthropogenic disturbances the wetland is still supporting a good number of fish species which is to be conserved.