Restoration of Wetland Ecosystem: A Trajectory Towards a Sustainable Environment

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Restoration, Construction, and Conservation of Degrading Wetlands: A Step Toward Sustainable Management Practices

   Ibha Suhani, Monika, Barkha Vaish, Pooja Singh, Rajeev Pratap Singh

   Abstract

   In the current scenario, the world is facing various water-related issues, for instance, water shortage, degradation of water resources, pollution of aquatic systems, and proliferation of waterborne diseases. Moreover, the condition is getting worse in the developing economies because of the integrated effect of anthropogenic activities, escalating demand of resources, and the population explosion. In various developed countries, traditional centralized sewage treatment systems were used for combating water pollution. With the advancement of technologies, wastewater treatment (WWT) systems like activated sludge process, membrane separation, membrane bioreactors, etc. are being employed for treatment of water pollution. However, these expensive systems are not feasible enough for the widespread application along with they are not capable to treat water according to WWT standards. Thus, it is imperative to shift toward the natural way of water purification. In order to meet this demand, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of natural wetlands are essential because of being big reservoir of water on the earth. The present chapter comprehensively describes the importance of natural and artificial wetland (constructed wetland) for human beings toward achieving sustainable environment in a simple, manageable, and cost-effective way.

3. Chapter 2. Phytoremediation and Sustainable Developmental Policies and Practices

   Atul Kumar Upadhyay, Ranjan Singh, D. P. Singh

   Abstract

   Phytoremediation is a green strategy of environmental decontamination and offers a cost-effective approach for the remediation of variety of pollutants. This is an emerging technology toward sustaining the future of the world and mankind. The phytoremediation technology has been successfully applied in developed and developing nations to achieve the sustainable development goal. The present chapter encompasses the basic strategies, rules, regulation policies, and protective measures for the successful implementation of plant-based waste treatment technology in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

4. Chapter 3. Wetland as a Sustainable Reservoir of Ecosystem Services: Prospects of Threat and Conservation

   Govind Gupta, Jabbar Khan, Atul Kumar Upadhyay, Naveen Kumar Singh

   Abstract

   A wetland is a type of ecosystem saturated with water throughout the year possessing various ecosystem services in the environment. Wetland is composed of abiotic and biotic components and acts naturally as a reservoir of food, shelter, and habitat for biological communities. Increasing human population leads to more industrialization and urbanization which continuously alter the landscape and interfering nutrient cycling. Further, changes in precipitation pattern and global climate leading to hydrological and environmental imbalances cause frequent flood and drought. As a result of rapid development and human interference, wetland ecosystem is degrading day by day which needs to be conserved for environmental sustainability. Microbial communities play an important role in nutrient cycling and conservation of wetland.

5. Chapter 4. Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Wetlands: Implications in the Climate Change Scenario

   Afreen J. Lolu, Amrik S. Ahluwalia, Malkiat C. Sidhu, Zafar A. Reshi, S. K. Mandotra

   Abstract

   The impacts of climate change are discernible and can only be reduced through proper adaptation and mitigation techniques. Wetlands represent an excellent example of natural ecosystems providing a wide range of ecosystem services valuing billions of dollars. The service of carbon sequestration by wetlands is directly linked to greenhouse gas regulation and climate change. They are known to have higher rates of carbon sequestration than any other terrestrial ecosystem on this planet. This is because of their higher above- and belowground productivity, anoxic soil conditions, and higher sedimentation rates. The most important factor affecting carbon sequestration in wetlands is substrate availability which depends on the type and composition of vegetation. Wetland vegetation is mainly responsible for determining the detritus quality and the carbon sequestration capacity of wetlands. Unfortunately, wetlands are under various anthropogenic pressures which affect their functional capacity of acting as sinks of carbon. Climate change also has a positive feedback on their functioning. Therefore, their maintenance and conservation are imperative, for they act as an important pool to balance the deleterious impacts of climate change. If climate change is not taken care of, then wetlands may act as a source of carbon, stored by them over years, and can augment the problem. Moreover, the concept of constructed wetlands needs to be encouraged to increase the number of potential carbon sinks. Their methane emissions can also be controlled by regulating C:N and N:P ratios in their soils.

6. Chapter 5. Wetlands: A Major Natural Source Responsible for Methane Emission

   Shashank Tiwari, Chhatarpal Singh, Jay Shankar Singh

   Abstract

   Methane (CH₄), an important greenhouse gas (GHG), contributes ~33.0% to the total global GHGs emissions and accounts for 15–20% to the global warming. As the second most important human-generated GHG after CO_2, CH₄ is strongly linked with various climate phenomena. Most of the wetlands from tropics to temperate have been reported to have significantly enhanced emissions of CH₄ during recent years. In wetland, microbial communities are a major determining factor in controlling the carbon cycle. The terrestrial wetlands are also among the key CH₄ emitters and play a major role to climate change. The role of wetland expansion in CH₄ emissions and its consequences on climate change and global warming might be a major concern for the future world. The methanogens and methanotrophs, two physiologically different microbial communities, seem to be crucial for future research investigations while comparing the CH₄ production and consumption in wetland ecosystems. Anthropogenic disturbances related to wetlands are likely to influence the altering of microbial community composition of methanogens and methanotrophs and consequently net CH₄ flux. The terrestrial wetlands have been reported to act as a source and sink for atmospheric CH₄. Therefore, recent concerns about CH₄ emission from terrestrial wetlands could be addressed properly because it is one of the major causes in contributing the status of CH₄ in the environment.

7. Chapter 6. Wetlands Conservation and Restoration for Ecosystem Services and Halt Biodiversity Loss: An Indian Perspective

   Rima Kumari, S. K. Shukla, K. Parmar, Nirmali Bordoloi, Amit Kumar, P. Saikia

   Abstract

   Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems that support diverse habitats and biodiversity and are known for its various ecosystem goods and services. About half of global wetlands have found to be lost, and the conditions of remaining wetlands are deteriorating due to natural as well as anthropogenic cause. The negative economic, social, and environmental significances of diminishing water quality in wetlands are one of the major issues of concern for degraded wetlands in India. Thus, it is imperative to emphasize on the restoration of the degraded wetlands along with the conservation and management of the existing wetlands since they are one of the most valuable and fragile components of the watershed. The present research strongly suggests the management practices for wetland conservation should be based on the traditional knowledge and resource uses that will eventually aid in fostering biodiversity and preserving key ecosystem services in cost-effective and sustainable way.

8. Chapter 7. Microbes Biology: Microbes in Wetland and Bioprospection of Microbes

   Avinash Singh, Prashant Kumar Singh, Wenjing Wang, Alok Kumar Shrivastava

   Abstract

   Over-increasing population, climate change, and the environmental pollutants are exerting negative pressure on biodiversity as well as our natural resources. Wetlands are a crucial gear of our natural environment. They support not only biological diversity but also the microbial communities of such systems that play an important role in biogeochemical cycles, global greenhouse gas emission, and nutrient (re)cycling. Therefore, wetlands are ecologically as well as economically indispensable systems owing to their high yield. The highly productive and diverse microbial community inhabitant of wetland ecosystems continuously transforms nutrients from dead vegetation into sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, and other nutrients that can be used by the plants, and in turn the plant-root exudates serve as a food source for the microbes. Unfortunately, the composition and diversity of microorganisms in such type of ecosystems are poorly explored. Hence, the analysis of microbial biodiversity and their correct prospecting from these ecosystems will help in isolating and identifying new and potential microorganisms having high specificity for various applications. This chapter consists of literature on the diversity of predominant microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes from wetland ecosystems and on the underlying mechanisms that structure microbial communities in wetland ecosystems.

9. Chapter 8. Contribution of Microbes in the Renovation of Wetlands

   Prem Chandra, Enespa, Mukesh Kumar

   Abstract

   A wetland ecosystem is an important reservoir of microbial diversity and contributes significantly in mitigation of the Greenhouse gas emissions. Increased nitrogen (N) inputs from agriculture and fossil fuel combustion have been recognized as a severe threat to biodiversity loss and ecosystem functioning of wetlands, such as control of greenhouse gas emissions. The intensive biogeochemical activities in the wetlands are performed by microbs, which have an important role in improving water quality and nutrient recycling. It is well known that the structure and function of the microbial community enhance the restoration of nutrient cycling in wetlands. Investigating the interactions of structure and functions of microbes with wetland plants is important because the microbial taxa can be interconnected to specific transformations, biodegradation, biogeochemical cycles, survival, and restoration of the wetlands. The processes of nitrification, denitrification, mineralization, humification, and absorption are performed by physical, chemical, and microbial processes for the sustainability of the wetland. This chapter suggests that microbially mediated processes are directly and indirectly crucial in the restoration of wetland function and ecological aspects. The phenomenon and the working principle of microbes in wetlands are discussed in detail with emphasis on nutrient cycling. This chapter also describes how microbes are an indispensible part of wetland functioning and restoration.

10. Chapter 9. Phytoremediation: Role of Mycorrhiza in Plant Responses to Stress

    Bimal K. Chetri

    Abstract

    Phytoremediation is not a new concept. However, it is important to understand plant’s ability to remediate contaminated soil and water alone or in association with microorganisms by absorbing toxic substances, metabolizing them into useful compounds within and eventually transpiring excess of them. Native plants due to their unique characteristics are able to clean up soil and water very often in association with mycorrhizal fungi. This chapter focuses phytoremediation as eco-friendly cleaning tool, its basic strategies, role of native plants in restoring wetland habitats and limitations.

11. Chapter 10. Integrated Approach for Bioremediation and Biofuel Production Using Algae

    S. K. Mandotra, Afreen J. Lolu, Sunil Kumar, P. W. Ramteke, Amrik S. Ahluwalia

    Abstract

    Large-scale industrialization and anthropogenic activities have led inordinate disposal of waste water into fresh water bodies, causing imbalance in aquatic ecosystem and degradation of water quality. Waste water contains significantly high amount of organic, inorganic substances as well as toxic heavy metals. To neutralize the negative impact of waste water, effective remediation processes are required. At present, numbers of conventional waste water treatment technologies have been employed, but they require high operational cost, large input of energy and huge land area, which leads to its failure at the ground level. Therefore, bioremediation of waste water using microalgae has emerged as an alternative approach that provides simple and cost-effective technology of waste treatment with simultaneous production of value-added products. Microalgae are very efficient in assimilating nutrients and other pollutants from waste water for huge biomass production. Harvested algal biomass is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and secondary metabolites that can be used as animal feed, biofertilizer and feedstock for biofuel production. Therefore, this chapter highlights the different mechanisms involved in nutrient removal by microalgae and subsequent utilization of algal biomass for biofuel production.

12. Chapter 11. Dual Role of Microalgae: Phycoremediation Coupled with Biomass Generation for Biofuel Production

    Amit Kumar Singh, Harvesh Kumar Rana, Ravi Kumar Yadav, Abhay K. Pandey

    Abstract

    Environmental pollution has become a worldwide concern for developing as well as developed nation. During the last two decades, a serious attention has been given in the management of environment pollution caused by hazardous material. Currently, water pollution is a serious threat for mankind which continuously deteriorated due to industrial revolution. Various physicochemical processes such as precipitation, evaporation, ion exchange, filtration, etc. are being used in the treatment of wastewater. However, several disadvantages are associated with these processes. Algae are the photosynthetic microorganism having potential to grow in both fresh and marine water bodies and can be safely utilized for contaminant removal from wastewater without imposing any hazard to the environment. The term “phycoremediation” is now being used for the process which involves algae for the removal or biotransformation of pollutants from wastewater. Apart from removal of contaminants, they also reduce biological and chemical oxygen demand of water bodies. Therefore, algae are now emerging as a desirable treatment option and could be a sustainable biomass feedstock for biofuel production. So, the dual use of microalgae, i.e., phycoremediation, as well as biomass production is a feasible option. Therefore, this chapter provides a detailed account regarding the wastewater, phycoremediation, nutrients and heavy metal uptake mechanism, and potential benefit and limitation of using wastewater as a source of nutrients for cost-effective biofuel production from microalgae.

13. Chapter 12. Microalgae and Microorganisms: Important Regulators of Carbon Dynamics in Wetland Ecosystem

    Nisha Yadav, D. P. Singh

    Abstract

    Wetlands, a dynamic and natural ecosystem characterized by waterlogged conditions, are used for the benefit of mankind since decades. One of the most important ecological functions of the wetlands is their ability to sustain rich biodiversity and storage of carbon. The carbon stock in the wetlands is mainly regulated by carbon cycling mediated by microorganisms and photoautotrophs (algae and plants) in the wetland. Carbon storage in the wetlands is often controlled by both decomposition of labile carbon and carbon fixation by the photosynthesis. This internal carbon dynamics in the wetland ecosystem influences the atmospheric carbon cycle. Under anaerobic condition, detritus chain involves microbial conversion of biodegradable material into a mixture of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) with small amounts of ammonium and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Methanotrophs are unique group of aerobic, gram-negative bacteria that use CH₄ as a source of carbon and energy. Wetlands act as biofilters through a combination of physical, chemical and biological factors which contribute in the reduction of pathogen and waste water. Since algae play a crucial role in carbon dynamics, the present chapter emphasizes the role of algae in regulation of carbon, water hydrology and other ecosystem services of the wetland.

14. Chapter 13. Bioremediation of Heavy Metals: A New Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

    Gereraj Sen Gupta, Garima Yadav, Supriya Tiwari

    Abstract

    With the advancement in agricultural practices, use of various chemicals for better yield is posing huge threat to the society. These chemical containing variable amounts of heavy metals are the key players that have become threat to plants and human beings. The discharge of various harmful environmental pollutants from different industrial sectors has created a challenge for environmentalists and scientists concerning the sustainable development of mankind. Particularly in plants, heavy metals are essential for its growth and development, but when the concentration of each heavy metal crosses, its threshold concentration becomes harmful for plants itself. These heavy metals possess specific density of more than 5 g/cm³ (Cr-7.2, Co-8.9, Ni-8.7, Cu-8.9, Zn-7.1, Mo-10.2, Cd-8.2 etc.). Various survey studies reveals intense exposure of heavy metals still continues in different parts of the world though its ill-effects are well documented. Some of the well-known heavy metals include arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, etc., all of which cause risks for the environment and human health. Considering heavy metals as potential threat to different life forms, it has become an important and interesting issue since last few decades. This chapter attempts to review different strategies for remediating heavy metal contamination with the plants and microorganisms. An attempt has also been made to review and promote the sustainable development with the involvement of phytoremediation and micro-remediation technologies.

15. Chapter 14. Wastewater Treatment Through Nanotechnology: Role and Prospects

    Vivek K. Chaturvedi, Ankita Kushwaha, Shweta Maurya, Nazish Tabassum, Himani Chaurasia, M. P. Singh

    Abstract

    Water is a most crucial and limited resource on the Earth, which has contaminated due to the addition of heavy metals, pathogens, pesticides, and many organic and inorganic substances. Currently, the research has been focused on the sustainable remediation approach for waste reclamation. Therefore, an affordable technology of wastewater treatment could tackle the problem of water. Nanotechnology is an efficient, affordable, effective, and durable method for water treatment. Nanomaterials have several properties such as specific surface area, high reactivity, high degree of functionalization, size-dependent properties, etc., which make them appropriate materials in wastewater treatment. The present chapter comprehensively describes the characteristics of different nanomaterials and their role in the restoration of aquatic ecosystem.