Impact of urban development on riverine ecosystem functions

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Published: 2026-04-20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70102/70s7n183
Keywords:
Urban development, Riverine ecosystems, Ecosystem functions, Water quality, Biodiversity, Sustainable planning, Pollution, Hydrological changes

Main Article Content

Pavas Saini
Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India.
Dr. Anshuman Jena
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Dr. Hannah Jessie Rani R
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Ramanagara District, Karnataka, India.
Ashwini V. Jadhav
Krishna Institute of Science and Technology, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India.
Vimal Bibhu
Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tamilchudar Raju
Professor, Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, VIMS Hospital Campus, VMRF-DU, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Bichitra Singh Negi
School of Engineering & Computing, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Uttarakhand, India.

Abstract

River ecosystems and the whole system are largely negatively affected by the  development of cities, and consequently alter the natural environment. The processes of  Urban development lead to alterations in the quantity, quality, species density, and 
velocity of water. The high pace of urbanization generates modifications in land cover and lowers the number of natural areas and the population utilizing rivers to drink and perform other activities. The natural mechanisms that dictate the movement of water are 
disrupted, and this results in increased flow of water over the ground surface and flows into the water bodies with contaminants. The study carried out in this project examines the effect of urbanization on rivers in terms of alterations in water quality and extinction 
of aquatic species. This assessment involves a sub-selection of aquatic indicators, including the Water Quality Index (WQI) and potential runoff, as well as biodiversity indices, in order to provide a quantitative measure of the impact of urbanization on the aquatic ecosystems. Urbanization in general leads to a 30-50 % rise in surface runoff, a reduction in water quality by 20-40 %, and a reduction in biodiversity, especially on the shore where the area was filled with impervious surfaces. Loss of ecosystem services, like  purification of water and floods, affects the health of humans adversely by forcing them to consume water that is not safe and live in an environment of increased susceptibility to diseases. The study offers solutions for sustainable urban planning. The study proposes 
green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration solutions as sustainable urban planning solutions to minimize the environmental effects. The research shows that the urban planning of river ecosystems can enhance the resilience of the ecosystem by incorporating ecological considerations in urban development planning. The study proves that urban  planning requires a holistic approach that can integrate land development with the preservation of natural resources so that river ecosystems can be maintained for future 
generations. 

Article Details

Issue

Volume 6, Issue 1 (January-June), 2026

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Impact of urban development on riverine ecosystem functions (P. Saini, A. Jena, H. J. Rani R, A. V. Jadhav, V. Bibhu, T. Raju, & B. Singh Negi, Trans.). (2026). International Journal of Aquatic Research and Environmental Studies, 6(1), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.70102/70s7n183

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