While rivers can be harnessed for hydroelectric power generation, this is not a primary ecological function. Rivers primarily support aquatic ecosystems, facilitate nutrient cycling, and regulate water flow.

Lakes perform multiple ecological functions, including filtering pollutants, providing habitat for aquatic life, and contributing to the water cycle through evaporation.

Rivers and lakes possess a natural ability to cleanse themselves of pollutants through various physical, chemical, and biological processes collectively known as self-purification.

While natural disasters can impact rivers and lakes, they are not considered major threats to their ecological balance. Human activities such as pollution, overexploitation, and habitat destruction pose more significant threats.

The river continuum concept encompasses the interconnectedness of river ecosystems, the significance of natural flow regimes, and the role of rivers in nutrient and sediment transport.

Wetlands associated with rivers and lakes perform multiple ecological functions, including providing habitat, filtering pollutants, and recharging groundwater.

Nutrient export refers to the transfer of nutrients from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial ecosystems through various mechanisms, such as flooding, fish migration, and bird migration.

Excessive nutrient enrichment leads to eutrophication, which causes algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and fish kills. It does not result in improved water clarity.

Dead zones are areas in rivers and lakes where oxygen levels are too low to support aquatic life. They are often caused by excessive nutrient enrichment and pollution.

Construction of dams and barriers disrupts the natural flow of rivers, fragmenting habitats and affecting the movement of aquatic organisms.

Ecological connectivity encompasses the importance of maintaining natural flow regimes, interconnectedness between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the role of rivers and lakes in facilitating species dispersal and migration.

Conserving and restoring the ecological balance of rivers and lakes requires a comprehensive approach that includes integrated water resource management, pollution reduction, and protection of riparian and wetland habitats.

Sustainable water use involves using water resources within their natural limits, prioritizing water allocation for essential needs, and implementing water conservation and efficiency measures.

Climate change is likely to lead to changes in water temperature and flow patterns, increased frequency and intensity of floods and droughts, and alteration of nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics. It is not expected to result in a general expansion of aquatic habitats and biodiversity.

River basin management involves managing water resources at the watershed level, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and integrating land and water management practices.