Question

Describe the adverse effects on aquatic ecosystem associated with the discharge of effluents containing high concentrations of suspended solids?

Answer 1

Discharge of effluents containing high concentrations of suspended solids leads to an increase in suspended solid concentration. The adverse effects of increased suspended solids concentration are:-

1) Reduction in light penetration leads to reduced photosynthesis in aquatic plants at bottom of water bodies. This results in lowering growth of plants and also decrease in oxygen released by them thereby resulting in lowering of dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen reduction in turn has an adverse impact on aquatic animals. Besides reduces aquatic vegetation results in lowering of food resource.

2) Gradual sedimentation of suspended solids leads to habitat alteration and abrasive action. Attached protozoa and micrometazoans no longer find natural habitat due to sedimentation.

3) Suspended solids act as adsorption sites for toxins and thus it leads to increase in toxic concentration of water. This results in death of fishes and other aquatic life.

4) Suspended solids also result in prevention of development of fish larvae and eggs. Also it results in change of migratory habits of various fish species. Thus suspended solid have many adverse effects upon aquatic ecosystem.