Wetlands are among the most productive and biologically diverse but very fragile ecosystems. They are vulnerable to even small changes in their biotic and abiotic factors. In recent years, there has been concern over the continuous degradation of wetlands due to shortsighted developmental activities. The principle objective of the book is to provide the present status of wetlands and strategies for their conservation. The first section gives an overview of the status of wetlands. 

One of the important benefits provided by wetlands in improving water quality is by filtering sediments and nutrients from surface water. Wetlands act as natural purification mechanisms, enhancing the water quality in the vicinity. Swamps and marshes are particularly good at filtering sediments and nutrients, which are the major causes for wetland degradation. Wetland vegetation plays a major role in removing 90% of dissolved nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and to some extent heavy metals. In addition to functioning as a purification mechanism, they also play a valuable role in reducing turbidity of floodwaters (as runoff and surface water passes through, wetlands remove or transform pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes). 

In the first section we discuss these aspects and strategies for monitoring, which include physical, chemical and biological aspects. Commonly monitored parameters have been discussed in detail, which include the detailed methodology for analysing various physico-chemical and biological (plankton, fish, avifauna, macroinvertebrates) parameters. The methods adapted for characterisation of wetlands are illustrated with case studies.  This helps in evolving overall strategies for characterisation of wetlands.