Ulhas River estuary is one of the most significant estuarine systems situated western coast of India. This estuary has been polluted by several point and nonpoint source and therefore, the multivariate statistical methods were used to determine sediments parameter concentrations, their distributions, and their relationship. In the present study, sediment samples were collected from five different stations and analyzed eight heavy metals' concentrations with seven other parameters. The multivariate statistical methods (PCA, nMDS, and ANOSIM) were used to determine sediments parameter concentrations, their distributions, and their relationship. The PCA results showed that the concentrations of N%, H%, S%, C/N, C/H, EC, and OC% were significant contributors to PC1 (36%) while the heavy metals such as Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Si, and Hg concentration were major contributor to PC2 (20%). Both PCs are indicated anthropogenic pollutant deposition towards the mouth of the estuary. Other results of nMDS showed a high degree of similarities within the stations such as 2, 3, and 4. Moreover, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) results also support them at a significant level of 0.01% with a global R-value (0.6). The observed level of heavy metals contamination in the sediment samples was in the order of Cr >Pb >Cu > Ni >Zn > Hg >Si>Cd. Industrial discharges within the catchment area may be the potential source of sediment pollution and warrants immediate targeted actions to protect this vital ecosystem and its biodiversity.
The dispersed wetlands in the Darbhanga District of northern Bihar, India, provide a diversity of niches supporting substantial floral and faunal richness. The aquatic macrophytes of a representative range of perennial water bodies were surveyed fortnightly from June to September 2019, supported by a market survey undertaken with local stakeholders. A total of 61 species of vascular macrophytes was recorded, the majority of them Angiosperms (33 species of Dicotyledons from 21 families, and 26 Monocotyledons from 13 families) and two were Pteridophytes. This paper highlights the distribution pattern and potential commercial and medicinal values of aquatic macrophytes found in different wetland systems in northern Bihar. It further stresses their importance for subsistence, medicinal and economic purposes supporting the livelihoods of local people. Current trends and risks contributing to the degradation and loss of this diverse flora and its supporting habitats are considered. We recommend further assessment of the occurrence and values of this botanical resource, and extension of valuation to encompass the diverse additional ecosystem service benefits provided by the region’s wetland systems, as a basis for wetland conservation strategies founded on sustainable management and wise use, with particular reference to the potential for enhancing livelihood security of indigenous communities.
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