Intro
Preface
Contents
About the Authors
1: An Introduction to the Functions and Ecosystem Services Associated with Aquatic Macrophytes
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Ecosystem Functions and Services Associated with Aquatic Macrophytes
1.2.1 Primary Production
1.2.2 Food Source
1.2.3 Habitat and Shelter
1.2.4 Nutrient Recycling
1.2.5 Soil/Sediment Stabilization
1.2.6 Hydrologic Cycle and Regulation
1.2.7 Aesthetic and Recreational Value
1.2.8 Water Purification
1.2.9 Remediation
1.2.10 Carbon Sequestration
1.2.11 Climate Change
1.2.12 Biochar

1.2.13 Bioenergy and Biofuels
1.2.14 Environmental Monitoring
1.3 Impact of Climate Change on Aquatic Macrophytes
1.4 Conclusion
References
2: Factors Structuring Aquatic Macrophytes
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Factors that Affect Macrophyte Structuring
2.3 Biotic Factors
2.3.1 Herbivory
2.3.2 Macrophyte Properties
2.3.3 Macrophyte Interactions
2.3.4 Pathogens and Diseases
2.3.5 Abiotic Factors
2.3.5.1 Light
2.3.5.2 Water Temperature
2.3.5.3 Nutrients
2.3.5.4 Hydrological Variations
2.3.5.5 Substrate Composition
2.3.6 Anthropogenic Activities

2.3.6.1 Climate Change
2.3.6.2 Invasive Species
2.3.6.3 Eutrophication
2.4 Management
2.4.1 Mechanical Control
2.4.2 Chemical Control
2.4.3 Biological Control
2.5 Conclusions
References
3: Aquatic Macrophytes: Ecology, Function, and Services in Niger Delta, Nigeria
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 Aquatic Macrophyte Ecology
3.2 Macrophyte Taxonomy Groups
3.3 Ecological Functions of Aquatic Macrophytes
3.3.1 Fisheries Production
3.3.2 Habitat for Water Organisms
3.3.3 Healthy Ecosystem/Nutrient Cycling
3.3.4 Source of Alternative Medicine

3.3.5 Industrial Uses
3.3.6 Sources of Energy
3.4 Aquatic Macrophytes as Nuisance
3.4.1 Effect on Water Body
3.4.2 Hindrance to Navigation
3.4.3 Habitat for Spread of Diseases
3.5 Interaction Between Macrophytes and Environmental Variables
3.5.1 Methods of Managing Macrophytes
3.5.2 Precautionary Control
3.5.3 Machine-Driven Control
3.5.4 Biological Control
3.5.4.1 Water Plants (Macrophytes)
3.5.4.2 Herbivorous Fish Species
3.5.4.3 Microorganisms (Bacteria)
3.5.5 Chemical Control
3.5.6 Diquat Herbicide
3.5.7 Fluridone Herbicide
3.5.8 Glyphosate

3.6 Commonly Found Macrophytes in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
3.7 Conclusion and Recommendations
References
4: Environmental and Ecological Importance of Indian Aquatic Macrophytes
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Classification of Aquatic Macrophytes (AMs)
4.2.1 Rooted Aquatic Macrophytes
4.2.1.1 Emergent Aquatic Macrophytes
4.2.1.2 Floating-Leaved Aquatic Macrophytes
4.2.1.3 Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes
4.2.2 Free-Floating Aquatic Macrophytes
4.2.3 Other Associated Life Forms
4.3 Characteristic Features of Aquatic Macrophytes