Abstract

IMPACT OF WATER POLLUTION ON AQUATIC PLANTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

*Dr. Sandip Halder

ABSTRACT

Water pollution is a major environmental concern that significantly affects aquatic ecosystems, particularly aquatic plant communities. Aquatic plants are integral to ecosystem functioning as they contribute to oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and habitat formation. However, increasing levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, excess nutrients, pesticides, and industrial effluents have adversely impacted their growth, physiology, and survival. These contaminants disrupt metabolic activities including photosynthesis and respiration, induce oxidative stress, and cause structural damage. Eutrophication, driven by nutrient enrichment, results in harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion, further threatening submerged vegetation. Interestingly, aquatic plants also play a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating pollution through bioindicationand phytoremediation. This review provides a detailed analysis of the types of pollutants, their effects on aquatic plants, and the ecological significance of these plants in maintaining water quality.

Keywords: Aquatic plants, Water pollution, Heavy metals, Eutrophication, Phytoremediation, Bioindicators.