B. Pradhan, S. Sil, R. Mondal and D. Arhi
Abstract
We are getting various natural ecological services from nature as free. We are getting most life saving component oxygen from plant as free. If we able to estimate the economic value of intangible free services of nature, then we will give much more concern to save our natural resources for restoration, so that the balance of ecosystem of water bodies remains in equilibrium. Through simple process of estimation of photosynthesis for aquatic plant like Hydrilla was attempted for 24 hour data for free oxygen generation at standard temperature and pressure for six consecutive days in the month of September, 2023 in Sonarpur block of South 24 parganas, West Bengal and its economic value was compared with the market value of medical oxygen. The data was analysed by Excel software. The amount of free oxygen generated by 60cm2 Hydrilla plant was compared with whole experimental aquatic field. Mean oxygen generated by per cm2 of Hydrilla plant at STP in 24 hour is multiplied with total field area of rectangular 400000 cm2 submerged field which is the total free oxygen generated. The experiment was conducted with time interval 6 am-9 am, 9 am-12 pm, 12 pm -3 pm, 3 pm-6 pm, 6 pm-9 pm, 9 pm-6am. The economic value of free oxygen is calculated from the data of market value of medical oxygen at STP in Indian context. In all the experiment set morning time, i.e. from 6am-9am the rate of photosynthesis was highest. Gradual reduction of rate of photosynthesis hence rate of oxygen generation from morning to afternoon was observed. 10 mg NaHCO3/1000 ml concentration set shows higher rate of oxygen generation than the control. In 24 hour, rupees 306 and 431 value of free oxygen was generated from experimental submerged field for control and 10 mg NaHCO3/ 1000 ml respectively. The economic value of free oxygen generated by aquatic plants in submerged field will be astonishing feelings to us for conservation of natural resources and to create value based learning towards the nature.