Aquatic ecosystems are vast reserves of water biodiversity, essential
for the maintenance of ecological balance in the environment. Aquatic
ecosystems are primarily of two types- marine and freshwater. All water
bodies are part of the aquatic ecosystem. They are essential for
recycling of nutrients, purification of water, flood attenuation,
recharge of groundwater and provision of habitat for different species
of animals and plants. The health of an aquatic ecosystem is affected by
the physical, chemical or biological changes in the environment.
Overfishing, water pollution, climate change and coastal land
encroachment have significant negative consequences on the aquatic
ecosystem. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most
vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of aquatic ecosystem.
Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied
branches that fall under this category. With state-of-the-art inputs by
acclaimed experts in this field, this book targets marine biologists,
oceanographers, limnologists, aquatic ecologists as well as students and
researchers associated with this domain.