FLORISTIC STUDIES ON AQUATIC ANGIOSPERMS OF AKKULAM LAKE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
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Abstract
Aquatic angiosperms constitute an essential component of freshwater ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, nutrient cycling, and providing habitat for aquatic fauna. The present study was undertaken to document and analyze the floristic diversity of aquatic angiosperms in Akkulam Lake, a prominent brackish water ecosystem located in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Systematic field surveys were carried out along different zones of the lake, including shallow margins, submerged regions, and marshy areas. The collected specimens were identified using standard floras and taxonomic keys. A total of 19 species of aquatic angiosperms belonging to 15 families were recorded, comprising free floating, submerged, and emergent life forms. The predominance of species such as Eichhornia crassipes, Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphaea nouchali indicates the eutrophic nature of the lake. The study highlights the ecological significance of aquatic macrophytes and their role as bioindicators of water quality. The findings provide baseline data for future ecological monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable management of the Akkulam lake ecosystem.
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