A Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Dynamics of Major-, Minor- and Trace- Elements in Two Temperate Urban Lacustrine Ecosystems of Srinagar, Kashmir

Abstract

Water bodies act as indicators of the extent of anthropogenic interference and pressure while evolving exhibitive fluxes in intrinsic homeostasis. The ecological assessment of standard biophysicochemical variables through space-time monitoring in the region of anthro-urban intensification identifies such ecosystem responses. Sampling, preservation, preparation and analysis follow typical procedures for all the representative testers. Statistical procedures for inference of results involve Mean, Standard Deviation, Range, Correlation, Regression, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Cluster Analysis and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Temperature, pH, conductivity and ionic composition of the surface waters have p<0.01 and R 2 >0.5. Total P perimeter outdid critical eutrophic index (≤ 0.05 mgL-1) but nitrate N persisted underneath it (≤ 0.5 mgL-1) ordinarily. Elevated nutrient levels reflect multiple human origins and catchment interventions. Priority pollutants (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Se) remained below chronic levels with exception of Fe and Zn exceeding maximum permissible limits for irrigation purpose of the water. Major elements in surface sediments are Si> Ca> Mg> K> Na> P> S> Cl besides the micro and trace ones follow as Fe> Al> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cr> Ni> Co> As> Sn> Pb> Cd. Sediments correspond to calcite catchment character to conform their sink-selves. The peak biomass values as gm-2 are 880.2 in case of Myriophyllum aquaticum, 678.4 in Nelumbo nucifera, 182.4 in Ceratophyllum demersum and 45 in Salvinia natans. The upgraded biomass configuration coincides with supplementary bioconcentration. C/N <10 implies low decomposition rates and autochthonous origin of organic matter. A semidrainage type of flushing hydrology ensures low basin holding time for self-reclaimed nutrient balance. Sediment dredging is beneficial for internal nutrient deloading only after external inputs are curtailed. Biological scavenging and biogenic calcification together lower the bioavailability of nutrients and toxics. Hence, the systemic insitu pliability can prevail till exsitu lacustrine management fortifies euoecism to evade detrimental dysoecism.