Wetland Ecosystem – Interplay of Factors Influencing Microclimate and Seasonal Variation - a Review

Abstract

Water, is one of the necessities for the survival of human beings, flora, and fauna. Wetlands have been used as a source of water, and as dump grounds for discharging sewage and other human waste. Urbanization and industrialization have led to the overexploitation of water and water bodies making them disappear at an exponential rate. Seasonal variation and anthropogenic activities have a critical influence on the water quality, microclimate, and aquatic diversity. Researches reviewed in this study indicate that the various parameters are interdependent with each other and influence the productivity, biodiversity, and ultimately the micro-climate and seasonal variations of a wetland ecosystem. Physico-chemical parameters studied like pH, temperature, Chlorophyll content, light and phosphate content are known to directly affect productivity and biodiversity. Changes in productivity and biodiversity further affect the microclimate and seasonal variations of a wetland. Moreover, changes in physical parameters are influenced by changes in chemical parameters and vice versa. Also, changes in biodiversity and productivity are inter-dependent on physical and chemical parameters. This study establishes the interactions among various parameters that govern microclimate and seasonal variations. This review lays the foundation for similar studies on wetland ecosystems for better measures towards sustainability and maintenance.