Diversity and Spatio-seasonal Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes inMoutore Reservoir, West Bengal

A study was conducted to find out the biodiversity of macrophytes and their seasonal variation in the beautiful perennial reservoir during October, 2021 to September, 2022. The reservoir drains the excess water through canal in Damodar River which is passing through northern side of the reservoir. During the study period, a total of 10 species of macrophytes were recorded. The diversity index i.e. Margalef Richness Index (d=0.62) and Pielou’s evenness Index (J’=0.9) was highest in summer months, Shannon and Weiner Index (H’=1.57) and Simpson’s Index (λ’=0.77) was highest in monsoon months respectively. Lowest value for all the Index was observed in rainy season. The aquatic macrophytes are naturally occurring, well adopted to the environment and thus play an important role to reduce the water pollution by absorbing the nutrients of water. The surrounding villagers use the reservoir as a source of water for drinking, washing, bathing, household activity as well as important source of income generation by harvesting of fish and also open defecation on reservoir bank resulting anthropogenic source of pollution and enrichment of nutrients for macrophytes, gradually degrading the quality of reservoir. The spatial distribution of macrophytes as well as annual and seasonal variability is essential for planning, development and management of the reservoir.