BRiP 2011 Conference

Saturday, November 4, 2011,

Outreach, IIT Kanpur

by

Ecology and BiodiversityOf

Ganga River Basin

Objectives of studyAssess present state of ecology and biodiversity in the main stem of Ganga River and its major

tributaries.

Identify characteristic species at selected locations for working out environmental flows.

Suggest species - indicating progress in Eco-restoration

Definitions of the terms used

Ecology- Major interdisciplinary science dealing with complex interactions of living organisms

(biotic) with environment (abiotic)

Study of structure and functions of nature

Biodiversity (Biological diversity)

An umbrella term including all living beings (terrestrial and aquatic)

Ecological characteristics, variability of genus, species, population and communities

(Biogeographic distribution, emigration and immigration)

Ecosystem- Unit of nature

Rivers- Constitute a lotic series of water

Constant motion, with longitudinal, lateral and vertical connectivity

Functions and services

Provide habitat for aquatic biological communities and maintain a good biodiversity

Maintain a flow regime

Nurture flood plains and combat land erosion by sea

Replenish nutrients in flood plains

Recharge ground water

Support livelihood and meet the needs of drinking water, agriculture, industry and community

Assimilate waste and purify itself

Facilitate navigation, recreation, tourism and play an important role in economics, culture and

spiritual life of society

River, function and services

Ecosys tems

Functional Components

Transport of Elements

Features of biochemical Cycling

Interactions

EnergeticProduction

Consumption

Fluxes of C, N, P, S

Mass balance

Wetlands

Terrestrial

Storages/Pondages

Artificial

Natural

Permanent

TransientDiara Lands

Riparian

Cultivated

ForestsGrasslands / Scrublands

Subsystems

Fresh water

Estuarine

Flowing

Main StemGangotri

To Farakka

Farakka to GangasagarHoogly - Matlah

Higher Vertebrates

Structural ComponentsAbioti

cBiotic

Chemical Characteristic

s

FlowSedime

nt Load

Habitat

Nutrients

Salinity

Decomposables

Recalcitrant

Dissolve Gases

Toxicants

Metals

Pesticides

Producers

Consumers

Decomposers

Phytobenthos

PhytoplanktonMacrophytes

Zooplankton

Macroinvertebates

Vertebrates

Zoobanthos

Fish

Bacterial FungusCulturable

Non Culturable

Aquatic

Extra Aquatic

Tributaries

Debate: Preserve natural ecology because it has “a priori” right

Or

Preserve the natural ecology because it provides goods and service

Ganga river system: One of the largest inland river basin catchment 0.86 million km2

Rises as Bhagirathi at Goumukh at the height of 4255m (a msl) Joins another head water of Alaknanda at Deoprayag and descends as Ganga Travel a total distance of 2525 km Important tributaries joining Ganga main stem are Alaknanda Mandakini, Pinder, Nandakini ) ,

Ram Ganga, Kali, Yamuna Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken ), Gomti, Ghagra, Gandak, Tons, Punpun , Bhuri, Gandak and Kosi )

Maintenance of natural order

Study area of the Ganga River

UG• UG1 (Gangotri to

Gangnani)• UG2 (Gangnani to

Devprayag)• UG3 (Devprayag to

Haridwar)

MG• MG1 (Haridwar to Bijnor)• MG2 (Bijnor to Narora)• MG3 (Narora to

Fatehgarh)• MG4 (Fatehgarh to

Allahabad)• MG5 (Allahabad to

Varanasi)

LG• LG1 (Varanasi to

Farakka)• LG2 (Farakka to

Gangasagar)

Water temperature: 4.3-19°C Annual rain

fall: 78 cmWater velocity: 2 - 3.3

m/s; 1.0 - 3.3 m/s; 0.1-3.0 m/s

Water temperature: 15 -30°C

Annual rain fall: 104 cm

Water velocity: 20 cm/sec

Water temperature: 23-35°C

Annual rain fall: 182 cm

253 km

925 km

1347

km

UG I (Gangotri to Gangnani)/ Biodiversity

High flow velocities and low temperature (4.3-9.8°C) are the major factors for low biodiversity in this stretch

Less influenced by human interventions and the only organic input is lignocellulosic materials Clean and clear with low depths and high transparency Major habitat: Rapids, riffles and pools Substrate: Mature boulders, rocks and pebbles

Biotic components Majority of biotic components represented by the diatoms In the lower stretch three taxa of green algae have been identified Periphyton is the only producer factor which supports zoobenthos represented by stone flies

and caddis flies Dragon and damsel flies are conspicuous by their absence The predator, stone fly is top consumers in food chain due to absence of fish population Zooplankton has not been reported in this zone No fish population from Gaumukh to Harsil

UG II (Gangnani to Devprayag)/ Biodiversity Large alterations in flows due to construction of number of number of hydel projects (Maneri

Bhali I and II Projects, and Tehri and Koteshwar Dams) Total 18 dams have been planned out of which 4 existing, 5 under construction and 9 proposed The flow at number of places has been reduced or no flow conditions exist due to the storages in dams and water in tunnels (Appox 82 km) Major habitat: Rapids, riffles and pools Substrate: Mature cobbles, pebbles and boulders Higher water temperatures (in the range 8.5-17.2°C) have also been recorded at Tehri

Biotic components The biota consists of periphyton, phytoplankton,

zooplankton and vertebrate population essentially fish Periphyton and phytoplankton are represented mainly by diatoms The zoobenthos are dominated by may fly and dipterans Important fishes reported in this sub stretch include minor carps, major carps and trout The fishes migrate towards upper reaches in August-October in

search of suitable breeding environment The migration of fish for breeding has been largely altered by the barriers and diversions

(barrages, dams and tunnels)

UG III (Devprayag to Haridwar)/ BIodiversity

Devprayag is the confluence point of the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Before reaching Rishikesh, it joins a tributary, Nayar, which is reported as breeding ground for

the of Mahseer (Tor sp.) Major habitat: Rapids, riffles and pools Substrate: Mature cobbles, pebbles and boulders Clean and clear water with high transparency and moderate depth at most of the places and

higher water temperature

Biotic components Phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, zoobenthos and fishes constitute the biota in this

stretch Periphyton are mostly represented by diatoms. The number of taxa varies from 10 to 77 The phytoplankton comprises mostly Diatoms, green and blue green algae have also started

appearing Zooplankton is scanty consisting of ciliates. A few rotifers and crustaceans also are reported In zoobenthos, may fly and dipterans are common Important fishes reported in this sub stretch include minor carps, major carps (Labeo sp.),

Mahseer (Tor sp.) and catfishes

Biological Community of Upper Ganga

0102030405060 UG1 UG2 UG3

Algal type (Families)

Num

ber

of

Taxa

Diatoms Green algae

Blue green algae

020406080

100120

UG1 UG2 UG3

Algal type (Families)

Num

ber

of

Taxa

Total number of genera and species increases is minimum in UG3 due to river enters in to gorge and lack proper substratum Diatom is dominant group in all the zones and number of species The number of species in green algae and blue green algae increases from UG1 to UG3

Order Family0

10

20

30

5

17

9

29

7

16

UG1 UG2 UG3

Taxa

Num

bers

Phytoplankton (Algae)

Total number of orders and families increases from UG1 to UG2 & decrease at UG3May fly and two wing fly are dominant at UG2 The number of families in stone fly decreases, while Dragon & damsel fly increases from UG1 to UG3 due to lack of preferred substrate

May fly

Stone fly

Blue green algae

Diatom

Periphyton (Algae)

Diatom constitutes dominant group in all the zones

Green algae, blue green algae and Euglena increase from UG 1 and UG 3

Yellow green algae appeared only in UG2

Zoobenthos (Macro invertebrates)

Water velocity is low due to the almost horizontal flow Temperature is higher than upper Ganga (15-30°C) Flood plains are prevalent Flow in plains meander on sand bed Abstraction of water in the river is from 3 canals upper Ganga canal, middle Ganga canal

and lower Ganga canal Human interactions like bathing and cremation activities are very high and inflow of

polluted tributaries. Large in flows of wastes from agricultural, domestic and industrial sources. Treated, partially

treated and untreated

Features of Middle Ganga

BIO

DIV

ER

SIT

Y O

F M

G 020406080

100120 Distribution of phytoplakton in the

middle stretch of Ganga river from Haridwar to Varanasi

MG1 MG2 MG3 MG4 MG5

Name of families

Num

ber

of

Taxa

01020304050

Distribution of periphyton in the middle stretch of Ganga river from

Haridwar to FatehgarhMG1 MG2 MG3

Name of groups

Num

ber

of

Taxa

0

5

10

15

20Distribution of zooplankton in the middle stretch of Ganga river from

Haridwar to VaranasiMG1 MG2 MG3

Name of groups

Num

ber

of

Taxa

Total 114 genera and 375 species of phytoplankton27 genera are common to all stretchDiversity increases from MG1-MG5Diatoms are dominating over green algae and blue green algae

Total 42 genera & 65 species of zooplanktonRotifers are most abundant, mainly Protozoans are maximum in MG4MG4 is very rich in zooplankton

Total 62 genera &112 species of periphyton.The diversity is decreasing from MG1-MG3Most dominant community is Diatoms followed by green algae

Total 33 Order & 89 Families of ZoobenthosNo proper trend in ZoobenthosDiptera are abundant at all stations Trichoptera and Coleoptera at MG1 & Ephemeroptera at MG4Annelids represented by Oigochaetes and PolychaetesPopulation of macrobenthic fauna decreases from Haridwar to Varanasi

Middle stretch is very productive in fish resources Total 138 species under 25 families are present Major carps & cat fishes are most important Some exotic fishes have been reported after confluence of Yamuna after Allahabad (China carp, Tilapia) Important commercial fishes are Labeo rohita (Rohu), Bagarius bagarius, Rita rita, Catla catla, Labeo calbasu, Cirrhina mrigala, Mystus (Sperata), Wallago, etc This stretch of Ganga is polluted with domestic waste and industrial waste Nutrients (N & P) are in sufficient quantities to support algal growth, food for carps

Nekton (Fishes)

Higher vertebrate are represented by Turtles, Ghariyals and Dolphins

Hard shell turtles are dominated over soft shell. Common between Bijnor and Allahabad

Ghariyals are found at downstream Narora barrage. Estimated number are only 3

Dolphins are common between Bijnor and Narora. Have been spotted at Kanpur downstream barrage in post monsoon season

Higher Vertebrates

Features of Lower Ganga (LGA) Fresh water zone approximately of 624 km from Varanasi to Farakka Water temperatures are higher 23-35°C Velocity of water is also higher due to the confluence of major tributaries From Varanasi to Farakka slope is appreciably reduced, indicating siltation Sediment load is very high and substrate is silt over sand Flood plains are very commonBiotic components:

Phytoplankton: Blue green algae are dominant with 79 species Diatoms are represented by 73 species followed by 46 species of green algae Some species of other groups are also found

Zooplankton:

Rotifers (33 species) are dominant, followed by Cladocerans (10 species), Copepods and Protozoans

Macroinvertibrates Molluscs constitute the major group, soft substrate (51 species) Annelids are also common (Polychaetes, Oligochaetes)

LGA (Varanasi to Farakka)/ Biodiversity

Biotic components

Fishes Sustains 114 species of fishes belonging to 28 families

and 70 genera The most important group is Carps, include 39 species The characteristic group of fishes are major carps,

large catfishes & other cat fishes Some commercially important fishes are Catla- catla,

Labeo rohita, Labeo- calbasu, Cirrhina mrigala Exotic fishes are Chinese carp (Cypribus carpio),

Tilapia (Oreochromis nilaticus), Hypothalmichlhys molitris are in sufficient numbers and comptete with common Carps

Commercially important fish Hilsa ilisha has literally disappeared after the construction of Farakka barrage

LGB (Farakka to GangaSagar)/ Biodiversity It is the largest estuarine system (Hoogly Matlah Estuary) in India Characterized by mixing of fresh water and regular tidal influxes Create a steady gradient of marine and fresh water. (Salinity varies between 0.02-30 gm/l) Extends 300 km North- South 150 km East- West 8029 sq. km area The Sunderbans where tide dominates is 2340 sq. km Temperatures vary between18-31°C Biodiversity is largely controlled by fresh water flux, nutrient inputs and changing

environmental conditions Substrate is largely silt over sand Biodiversity is distinct from the fresh water zone

Biotic components:

Phytoplankton: Total Taxa reported 817

Genera reported 194

Blue green algae > green algae > Diatoms.

LGB (Farakka to Ganga Sagar)/ BiodiversityOther Biotic components: Zooplankton is dominated by cnidarians (26 sp.) Rotifers (135 sp.) Chaetognatha, Copepoda and larval decapods Macrobenthos is represented by 137 sp. and 64 genera. Includes

Annelids- Polychaetes/ Oligochaetes

Protozoans- Cilliphora (193 sp.) Arthropoda (1143 sp.)- Crustaceans (173 sp.) ticks mites/ insects (344 sp.) Molluscs constitute a very large groups 25 sp. of Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Cephalopoda Echinoderms are exclusively marine

Starfishes, Sea urchisNekton:Fishes are present in large numbers 13 species are commercially important and represented by

HilsaBombay duckPolynemus

156 species of bony fishes and 13 species of Cartilaginous fishes are reportedThe annual catch of fish is about 20,000 tons/yearHigher vertebrates like Mugger and Dolphins are common

Microbial Biodiversity Biological diversity or “biodiversity” refers to the variety of living organisms. its provides

stability and balance in natural systems.

The microbial loop is a trophic path in the web of microbial food where dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is returned to higher trophic levels via the incorporation into bacterial biomass.

Microbes play an important role in to degrade a vast variety of complex organic compounds due to their metabolic versatility (Grime, 1997).

Microbes work as efficient decomposers and scavengers to clean up the environment (Maire et al, 1997).

Microbes are indicators of ecosystem function. By measuring amount of growth, respiration, and uptake of nutrients, their specific processes like nitrification, denitrification etc. would tell us about the function of the ecosystem.

Microbes carry out recyling of phosphorus, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur elements and replenish the environment with these by degrading substrates obtained from dead and decaying plant and animal remains.

Ganga River is a complex ecological niche as it accommodates a diverse community of microbial population.

Apart from coliforms and undesirable bacteria, a loss in the count of normal bacteria in Ganga water would indicate failing ecosystem health.

S No Sampling Station River Total Bacterial

CountMost predictable bacterial

species found

01 Rishikesh Ganga 1.52E+08 12

02 Haridwar Ganga 1.11E+08 1803 Bijnour Ganga 1.27E+08 1104 Narora Ganga 1.07E+09 1705 Farrukhabad Ganga 9.39E+08 1406 Farrukhabad Ramganga 1.50E+11 1307 Kannuaj

Ganga Ramganga 1.43E+11 1408 Kannuaj Kali 1.89E+11 1409 Kannuaj Ganga Mix 1.69E+11 1310 Kanpur Bithoor 1.78E+11 1311 Kanpur Jajmau 2.54E+13 12

Microbial Biodiversity in Ganga River

Sampling Station

CF

U/M

L

0

3e+13

0.0

2.0e+8

4.0e+8

6.0e+8

8.0e+8

1.0e+9

1.2e+9

Microbial Biodiversity

189 species of fishes in fresh water system 169 species of fishes in estuarine system Support growth of 458 taxas of algae 206 Diatoms 128 Green algae 27 others 10 Protozoans 33 Rotifers 17 Crustaceans 73 Families of insects in Zoobenthos 52 Molluscs 25 Annelids 16 Arthopods 13 species of Hard and Soft turtles Gangatic Ghariyals Gangatic Dolphins

Ganga River Supports/ Total Biodiversity

Large obstruction in water flow by constructing Dams and barrages leaving no space for river to perform its functions

Pouring filth and decomposable/ non-decomposable, even toxic substances in the river which adversely effect and destroy aquatic life

Sufficient dilution not available for river to assimilate and purify itself Making river banks dirty and water so foul that society ceases to reach the river for bathing,

recreation or rituals

Causes of River Degradation

Necessary actions for maintaining desired river conditions Ganga River ecosystem is by and large and altered ecosystem - No reference condition is available Intervention to improve the abiotic components and maintain water quality Pollution prevention and reducing water abstraction Identification of fish species at critical sites Maintenance of indigenous species of flora and fauna (P/R ratio, saprobity index) Maintenance of ecological flows and substrate conditions for survival and breading of identified

indicator species Average fish catch during 1950-1980 could be set as a target Other targets could be

1. Appearance of Dolphins with suggested frequency of sighting

2. Indian Major carps

3. Native and sensitive species of stone/ cadis and may flies

4. Ratio of Diatoms/ Green Algae/ Blue Green Algae