Introduction
In the group mini project, I have focused on the “mangrove” part. I would like to have a in-depth study on the adaptations and ecological values of mangrove. Also, I will mention the conservation of those treasure mangrove habitat from different stakeholders.
Of the recognized 110 mangrove plant species, about 8 species of ‘true mangrove’ found in Hong Kong. They form mangroves which are unique wetland ecosystem. Mangrove plants are distributed in tropical and subtropical region and commonly found in brackish water which includes inter-tidal river estuaries and sheltered coasts. In addition to high salinity of the water, the substratum is unstable due to the tidal movement , which makes the plants difficult to establish. They also need to face the anaerobic condition when their roots are submerged during high tide, as well as the dry and hot environment when the soil is exposed to air and the sun during low tide. In order to adapt this special environment, all these plants develop different structures and physiological mechanisms.
Mangroves are widely distributed in the northwestern New Territories, Sai Kung, Tolo Harbour and along the coast of Lantau Island. The largest patch of mangrove in Hong Kong is the Mei Po Inner Deer Bay Ramsar Site.
Adaptations of mangrove
1.Salinity stress
The salinity of soil is high due to long time exposure with sea water. This affects the growth of plants.
1.1 Salt glands
Salt is excreted through the salt glands on leaf surface.
1.2 Salt accumulation
Salt is accumulated and stored in the old leaves and it is removed once the leaves shed.
1.3 Excluding sakt
Salt is excluded and prevented from entering the root by an active pump mechanism
2.Unstable substratum
Due to th...
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...es and reduce water pollution. Through the metabolism of microorganisms, soil surface absorption, chemical sedimentation and plant digestion, the amount of suspended particles, elements including nitrogen and phosphorous, metals as well as chemical oxygen demand in water can be lowered.
Conservation of mangrove
Government
1. Avoid reclamation and infra-structural developments near the mangrove habitat.
2. Promote public awareness, eg develop educational programmes, encourage scientific research and study tours
Points on ‘dos’ and ‘don’t’s’ when Observing mangrove
1. Avoid tramping on the roots of mangrove plants and their seedlings.
2. Do not dig-up the sand and mud.
3. Do not disturb wildlife and pick away mangrove plants
In conclusion, we must do our utmost to treasure and protect mangroves, so that we can continue to use these precious wetland resources.
The word “remediate” means to solve a problem, so the word “bioremediation” refers to the use of biological organisms to solve an environmental problem. Bacteria, fungi, protists and other microorganisms in a non-polluted environment are constantly breaking down organic matter, and when the soil is polluted, some of the organisms may die, but others will still be able to break down the pollutants. Bioremediation provides organisms that can consume the pollutants with fertilizer, oxygen, and other conditions to encourage the rapid growth of these organisms. They then would be able to break down the organic pollutants at a correspondingly faster rate. There are two general ways in which bioremediation functions. One way is where specific survival conditions of a microorganism living in the soil are enhanced to increase the rate of a pollutant’s degradation. The second way is when specialized microbes are added to degrade the contaminant. This way is less common. For many types of polluted soil, bioremediation provides an excellent method of clean-up, but in some cases the pollutant is toxic even for the microbes. These pollutants include metals such as cadmium or lead, and salts such as sodium chloride. Although it may not work in all cases, bioremediation is considerably easier than other methods because it enhances the functions that the microbes already carry out in the soil. Along with being easier, it can be much less expensive because the soil does not have to be pumped out of the ground for treatment (Environmental Inquiry-Bioremediation). Serratia Marcescens is a bacterium that is commonly used for bioremediation.
... allows grasses to be grown along with them, and eliminates the risk of erosion and salinity problems. Water usage is also efficient in the winemaking process, as all wastewater gets filtrated to a dam, where acidity levels are monitored and it can evaporate.
Mangrove roots collect sediments and slow down the water's flow, helping to protect the coastline and preventing erosion overtime. Over a long period of time, the roots can collect enough debris and mud to extend the edge of the coastline further out. Mangroves are teeming with life. Shorebirds, Soldier Crabs, Crab-Eating Monkeys, and fishing cats all make the mangrove home or habitat. Mangroves provide a safe place to live or home and a nursery for a variety of fish, birds, crustaceans, and
Aquatic plants that are sensitive to high levels of salt are likely to die because the salt absorbs the water, causing plant cells to shrivel and die (Gould). When amphibians and other semi-aquatic freshwater organisms swim in salty water they too shrivel up and die, similar to a slug covered in salt (Siegel). Salt running into bodies of water is disrupting the food chain and killing thousands of organisms every day. Sodium chloride is the effective ingredient in both table salt and road salt (Rastogi). The only difference is that road salt is unfiltered and unpurified.
With regular maintenance, Dickson wetlands will continue to be a place for community to gather and for the environment to improve. With weeding and planting of more native flora, the wetlands will continue to improve water quality in the future. This is important for the future because if we can reuse water that is going through the stormwater drains to the wetlands, then there will be less of an issue watering areas such a sporting fields and parks.
...s are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stresses can be understood. Management plans can be developed to reduce impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon accurate data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection.
...he preservation of these precious ecosystems so that future generations can appreciate the serenity and value of the wetlands.
These four studies evaluated the use of marine protected areas (MPAs) as the primary tool for conservation efforts. Within Fox’s study he identifies four components that increase a MPA’s effectiveness, all of which focus on bringing together the goals of the governing bodies involved, as well those of the locals who rely on the marine systems in question for resources. The research presented by Edgar and his team presents similar findings as they identify five factors that have shown to increase the success of MPAs after they studied 87 different MPA locations. In addition to identifying the key factors that contribute to MPA success, they also identify some factors that lead to MPA failure. Halpern’s study focuses on the limitations of MPA networks and the broader scope issues that need to also be addressed in order to for MPAs to be truly effective. Halpern and his team suggest that an EBM approach may be the best solution for addressing these issues. Chuenpagdee’s research also highlights the challenges and issues surrounding the implementation of effective MPAs. The study included an in-depth look into four case studies that focused on the design stages of MPAs, and the social issues that must be taken into consideration, and how the incorporation of local communities into management efforts could lead to increases in MPA network success and sustainability. The compilation of data presented in these studies, all highlight the fact that nations are increasing the number of MPAs, in order to reach international goals of conservation, however even if the global area goals of protection are met, it is clear that the success of these protected areas will be heavily dependent upon the socioeconomic issues surrounding the impacted ...
Works Cited http://www.daintreeinforest.com/location/Daintree/listingResultsView.html?categoryId=233 http://www.daintreevillage.asn.au/daintree_rainforest.html http://www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=726 http://www.therainforests.info/landscape/daintree.htm http://www.daintreevillage.asn.au/mangroves.html http://www.globalissues.org/article/170/why-is-biodiversity-important-who-cares? http://www.green.net.au/quoll/forests/daintree.html http://www.daintreecoast.com/isiospermum.html
It can be said that similar methods can be elsewhere for other biological problems such as the acidification of ecosystems where acid rain, as a result of sulphur dioxide dissolves aluminium salts in rivers and lakes which suffocates fish.
The process of disposing waste, producing food, and purifying bodies of water is useful today. For example, communities that live in the desert, like in the southwestern United States and in the Middle East, can use this process to farm and survive. They can use the newly purified water for their crops or for their own consumption. In addition, when algae purifies water, it releases oxygen.
Corals the rainforests of the sea. Corals’ and rainforests are very important to the world because they have a very important function. Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, the carbon dioxide then forms a week acid called carbonic acid this acid in it called carbonic iron, which stays in the carbon carbonate. This acid cannot make limestone but dose dissolve in ready-formed limestone and the reefs need it to produce limestone. Rainforests give out oxygen. Corals are like rainforest in the sea with al the reefs and animals. Corals are also compared with cities because they are like cities the fish are like people and the corals are homes to the fish.
Phytoremediation is a novel, efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost technology, which uses plants and trees to clean up soil and water contaminated with heavy metals and/or organic contaminants such as solvents, crude oil, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and other toxic compounds from contaminated environments. This technology is useful for soil and water remediation.
Coral Reefs need to be preserved for many reasons. In this paper I will discuss a
Most people think they know a wetland when they see one, but the delineation of wetlands for the purpose of granting permits has proven enormously controversial. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an area is defined as a wetland when a combination of three technical criteria are met: Wetland hydrology (land that is saturated within 18 inches of the surface for more than seven days per year), Hydrophytic vegetation (a list of plants that will thrive in wet areas), and Hydric soil (mucky and peat-based soil). The continual destruction of these valuable lands is due mainly to farmers, oil and mining interests, and development groups (Russel, p.36). It is estimated that 30-40% of the original wetlands in the United States have been lost, and about 300-400,000 acres are destroyed each year (Hollis, p. 36). Recent concern has led to an increase in wetland restoration and creation to reduce the impacts of activities in or near wetlands, compensate for additional losses, and to restore or replace wetlands already degraded or destroyed (Nicholas, p. 39).