Course code -ET 1204

FRESHWATER
ECOSYSTEM

Group No - 01 1
CONTENT
• Introduction about the freshwater ecosystem
• Biodiversity
• Habitats
• Importance of Freshwater ecosystem
• Threatened Ecosystems
• Human Dependence
• Conclusion
• Referance

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 What is freshwater ecosystem

A freshwater ecosystem refers to any ecosystem found in bodies of fresh

water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and wetlands. These
ecosystems are distinct from marine ecosystems, which are found in
saltwater environments, and terrestrial ecosystems, which are found on
land. Freshwater ecosystems are vital to the planet's biodiversity and serve
important ecological, economic, and social functions

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 Examples for Freshwater Ecosystam

Lakes and Ponds Rivers and Streams Wetlands

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 Biodiversity

• Freshwater ecosystems are incredibly diverse and support a

wide array of life forms. Biodiversity in freshwater
ecosystems encompasses various species of plants, animals,
and microorganisms Freshwater ecosystems cover less
than 1% of Earth's surface, yet
are home to at least 10% of
Earth's species.

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 Plants in Freshwater Ecosystems

Aponogeton crispus Lagenandra praetermissa Myriophyllum aquaticum

(Kekatiya) (Ketala / Kethala) (Parrot's feather)
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 Animals in Freshwater Ecosystems

Huso huso Ciconia ciconia Alligator mississippiensis

(beluga sturgeon) (White stork) (Alligator)

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 Microorganisms in Freshwater Ecosystem
• Freshwater ecosystems contain a great diversity of microbes, including bacteria,
archaea, fungi and protists. They play critical roles in many biogeochemical
processes, such as nitrogen fixation, oxygen production and cycling of nutrients and
minerals

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Habitats

• Freshwater ecosystems encompass a variety of habitats, each

with its own unique characteristics and species adapted to
those conditions. These habitats can be broadly categorized
based on their physical and ecological features

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Examples for fresh Water Habitats

• Lakes and Ponds

• Rivers and Streams

• Wetlands

• Caves and Underground Aquifers

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 Importance of Freshwater Ecosystem

• Biodiversity Hotspots

• Source of Drinking Water

• Habitat for Aquatic Life

• Economic Resources

• Nutrient Cycling

• Food Chain

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 Biodiversity Hotspots
Freshwater ecosystems are
incredibly diverse, supporting
a wide range of plant and
animal species, many of
which are unique and
specialized to these habitats..
Source of Drinking Water Habitat for Aquatic Life
Freshwater ecosystems They provide essential
provide a vital source of habitats for fish,
clean drinking water for amphibians, reptiles,
people and communities invertebrates, and other
around the world. aquatic species.
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Economic Resources Nutrient Cycling Food Chain

Freshwater ecosystems They play a crucial role

They form the base of
support fisheries, in nutrient cycling,
food chains, providing
agriculture, and tourism, helping to purify and
sustenance for a variety
contributing filter water as it flows
of terrestrial and aquatic
significantly to local and through the ecosystem
species.
global economies.

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THREATS TO FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

• Human activities
• Overfishing
• Environment pollution

• Land use change

• Climate change
• Disease

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HUMAN DEPENDENCE
• Along with food and shelter, it forms our most basic
need. So vital, in fact, that access to drinking water is
commonly considered a fundamental right for all
humanity. Healthy, functioning freshwater
ecosystems provide reliable and quality water flows
upon which these basic human needs depend.

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CONCLUSION
• freshwater ecosystems are invaluable for their rich
biodiversity, ecological services, and contributions to human
well-being. However, these vital habitats face a multitude of
threats, including pollution freshwater ecosystems is
essential for maintaining clean water and supporting diverse
aquatic life.Thherefore we must protect the ecosystems for
genation to come

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 REFERANCE
• Jdix. (2016, September 17). Protecting freshwater ecosystems. WWF.
https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-we-do/protecting-our-rivers-lakes-and-freshwater#:~:text=They
%20store%20and%20clean%20the,provide%20natural%20protection%20from%20flooding.
• Freshwater Ecosystem. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/freshwater-ecosystem/
• The Rockefeller Foundation. (2020, April 14). Healthy freshwater ecosystems: an imperative
for human development and resilience. https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/report/healthy-
freshwater-ecosystems-imperative-human-development-resilience/#:~:text=Along%20with
%20food%20and%20shelter,these%20basic%20human%20needs%20depend.

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 Group Members
• A.M.A.P Amarakoon - 2022t01372
• M.K.B.R.B.Amarasinghe - 2022t01373
• D.M.H.S.Ariyasena - 2022t01377
• B.D Basnayaka - 2022t01379
• H.M.R.C.Bandara - 2022t01380
• K.M.S.H Bandara - 2022t01381
• K. R. I. N. M. Bandara - 2022t01382
• W.B.M.D.C.Basnayaka - 2022t01385
• S.A.M.A.H.Bhagya - 2022t01386
• U.M.T Erandi - 2022t01403
• D.A.S.Harischandra - 2022t01409

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Thank you!

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