Ecosystem refers as an area where both abiotic (solar energy, temperature, soil and water) and biotic (natural plants, animals and humans) constituents interlinked with each other. There might prevail both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems on this Earth. In aquatic ecosystem, rocks provide shelter and plants supply oxygen to the fish population. A balance is achieved when biotic and abiotic constituents are in a cooperative relationship.
Expansion of population, urbanization and development, induction of new species, abrupt death of existing species, natural hazard and human activities contribute for breaking of this cooperative relationship which originates an imbalance of ecosystem. Rapid deforestation is the consequence of urbanization and development. This activity adversely disturbs soil ecology and commence water imbalance. Water resources are consumed rapidly because of growing population and thereby required drilling of more-deeper wells. Over construction of pavement areas decreases quantity of water vapor via backward transpiration from plants and causes pollution to aquifer through ice melting salt runoff in natural drain system.
Although, humans depend on a balanced ecosystems in terms of productive soil and healthy meat and fish. The pollution input from humans’ activities (industries and agriculture) disrupts this balance of ecosystem and subsequently an imbalance of nutrients occurs. Deforestation caused destruction of soil and natural habitats of plants and animals.
Ideas to sustain ecological balance
Wisely management of natural resources
Our natural resources like fossil fuels, minerals and water are critically declining. Damage to habitat and over hunting notably lost biodiversity and damage to their habitats. This demolition of habitats causes risk for extinct species in an ecosystem. In marine ecosystems, the loss of some species disturbs entire ecosystem. A sustainable way to use existing resources might prevent and sustain ecological balance.
Regardless of socio-cultural constraints, numerous efficient measures such as family planning and control of birth rates should be taken for controlling population at both individual and government levels. Over population on this Earth causes imbalance of ecosystem via aggressively consuming natural resources.
Prevent contamination of water resources
Pollution originates from domestic and industrial effluents and runoff from agriculture intimidates the balance of marine ecosystems. Controlling of non-point source pollutions especially from agriculture farms remarkably help to sustain the ecological balance. For instance, run off caused by fertilizer application in agriculture and sewage could immediately grow algae over the water of lakes and streams. This layer of algae over the surface of water restricts sunlight to penetrate into the water and reduces the amount of oxygen. Decaying process of algae increases the production of anaerobic organisms that discharges hazardous compounds in the water which is harmful to marine life.
Other preventive practices
Using of 3Rs rule lessen over production of natural resources. Energy conserving strategies like energy efficient appliances and vehicles should be adopted at national and international levels to reduce greenhouse gases which prevents climate change. People might be given awareness about an ecological living for preventing and sustaining balance of ecology. Replanting forests, promotion of using biofuels and fish quotas are some important measures which can help to restore the balance of ecosystem by reducing the effects of human input.