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Eco-hydrology and Phytotechnologies

Sustainable Management of Water Resources Through The Application of Ecohydrology and Phytotechnologies

One of the fundamental tenets of sustainable development is the maintenance of a homeostatic equilibrium within the ecosystem. Overexploitation of the ecosystem and degradation of its biotic structure alters ecosystem processes to the point where the ability of the ecosystem to produce desired resources is seriously diminished. The quantification and assessment of physical and biological factors and ecological processes is necessary to provide a scientific basis for sound ecosystem management. Water is the medium for all ecological processes, and therefore the water basin should be considered as the basic unit for the analysis of energy, water and biota interactions.

The degradation of freshwater ecosystems can be characterized in terms of two dimensions - first, pollution which can be reduced to a significant extent by technologies, and second, the degradation of established water and nutrient cycles within the ecosystem as a whole. This second dimension is much more complex. The best tool for solving both of these problems is the combined application of ecohydrology and phytotechnology. Together they provide an integrated holistic approach for addressing water and ecosystem issues.

Ecohydrology can be defined as the integrated study of ecosystems and hydrological characteristics and processes, and their combined potential to influence water dynamics and quality, particularly at the catchment scale. The ecohydrology of a given area or region is determined by four fundamental components: climate, geomorphology, plant cover/biota dynamics and anthropogenic modifications. 

The term phytotechnology can be used to describe the application of science and engineering to study problems and provide solutions involving plant organisms. Although the term is not widely used, it is useful in promoting a broader understanding of the importance of plants and their beneficial role within both societal and natural systems. By understanding the hydrological and biogeochemical processes within water basins, it is clear that a need and opportunity exists to control and regulate nutrients and water dynamics by increasing plant biomass and diversity. Thus, phytotechnologies can be used to increase ecosystem carrying capacity and enhance the resilience and functionality of ecosystems at the basin scale according to ecohydrological principles. Furthermore, an interdisciplinary, holistic approach based on an understanding of the role of plant biomass in the control of water and biogeochemical cycles can lead to a significant improvement in water quality, an enhancement of system biodiversity, improved agricultural production and the potential for bioenergy generation, while at the same time remediating degraded ecosystems.

IETC's principal interest in promoting ecohydrology and phytotechnology relates to fresh water and urban environmental management issues such as urban "brownfields" and groundwater. Linked to this is an understanding of the principles and concepts of biodiversity and ecosystem management.

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• International Year of Biodiversity
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