Aquatic Macrophytes: Ecology, Functions and Services

This book is a comprehensive collection of information about the features, functions, and services of aquatic macrophytes. As primary producers, aquatic macrophytes form the basis of food webs, play a major role in highly productive aquatic ecosystems, and have a significant impact on ecosystem functions and services. Macrophytes are also known to strongly influence the micro-climate and biogeochemical processes occurring in the littoral zones of marine ecosystems and the sediment dynamics of freshwater systems. They also serve as highly effective carbon sinks and play an important role in carbon sequestration. This book deals with various aspects of aquatic macrophytes, including nutrient recycling, biogeochemical processes, biomass production, wetland ecosystems, water resource management, carbon sequestration, environmental clean-up, and bioenergy production. Additionally, it presents the current status of aquatic macrophytes and discusses the impact of climate change on these plants. The book also highlights the major challenges associated with harnessing the benefits provided by aquatic macrophytes as ecosystem services. The book holds value and relevance for academicians and scientists working in the related domain. Additionally, it will serve as a valuable resource for students and researchers working in the field of ecology, biogeochemistry, wetland conservation, phytoremediation, elements biomonitoring, wastewater management, bioenergy production, etc.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar has obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India. Currently, he is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at the same university. Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions in the field of sustainable agriculture, focusing on various aspects such as soil quality management, agriculture gaseous emissions, slow-release fertilizers, and phytoremediation. His research endeavors aim to develop innovative approaches for enhancing agricultural practices while minimizing environmental impacts.

Dr. Kuldeep Bauddh is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India. He received his MSc and Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India. Dr. Bauddh is currently teaching thrust areas of environmental sciences like environmental pollution and management, environmental impact assessment, environmental toxicology, etc. His major research areas include environmental pollution and management, phytoremediation, and restoration of abandoned mining sites.

Dr. Ritu Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences at the Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is actively involved in teaching and research in the field of environmental chemistry, environmental toxicology, and wastewater treatment. Her research primarily focuses on the potential of metal nanoparticles and nanocomposites for various environmental applications, including remediation of emerging contaminants and wastewater treatment. She has a keen interest in the study of nano-agro particles, exploring their applications in agriculture and environmental remediation.

Dr. Narendra Kumar is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and is currently the Head of the Department of Geology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India. Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to various areas of environmental science, including phytoremediation, air and water pollutants, and wastewater treatment. His work involves exploring the capabilities of different plant species in removing or degrading pollutants from contaminated soil, water, and air. In addition to his expertise in phytoremediation, he has also contributed to the field of river ecology. He studies the ecological health and dynamics of rivers, including their biodiversity, water quality, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on river ecosystems.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and presently Dean, School of Earth Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India. He earned his MSc (Tech.) and Ph.D. in Geophysics specialization in Meteorology, from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. With 23 years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to various fields within environmental science. His expertise lies in the study of air pollution and its impact on human health, climate change, arid and desert environments, as well as the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). His current research focuses on the fields of air pollution, climate change, and the Himalayan cryosphere.