Sameer Padhye

Urban waterbodies, treasure troves of biodiversity

A study on the Mula-Mutha river stretches in Pune reveals rich biodiversity with presence of a large number of freshwater invertebrate species, including a few reports to the region! Will preserving biodiversity help save the river?

Kirti Amritkar-Wani

Posted on 25 Jun, 2021 12:32 PM

Rivers, lakes, ponds and streams – natural freshwater ecosystems are a precious resource, not only because freshwater is limited, but also because of the rich biodiversity they support and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.

Mula-Ram river confluence stretch at Aundh-Baner link road, Pune (Image Source: Jeevitnadi)

Living glasshouses - in the water!

Diatoms, that abound in freshwater ecosystems not only generate 25 percent of oxygen we breathe, but also help save freshwater bodies by detecting pollution!

Aarti Kelkar Khambete

Posted on 16 Feb, 2021 11:29 AM

Dr.

Diatom (Nitzschia sp. - a pollution indicator) along with other algae from a stream (Image Source: Karthick Balasubramanian)

When solving one problem triggers another

Use of guppy fish to control mosquito populations in water bodies has given rise to another problem - that of its negative impact on native freshwater diversity.

Aarti Kelkar Khambete

Posted on 06 Aug, 2020 06:56 PM

Come monsoons and vector borne diseases start making headlines every year in many parts of India, especially mosquito borne diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis.

What are vector borne diseases

Guppies for mosquito control (Image Source: Rchampagne via Wikimedia Commons)

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