IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308 _______________________________________________________________________________________ Volume: 05 Issue: 02 | Feb-2016, Available @ http://www.ijret.org 297 EVALUATING EFFICACY OF CONCEPTUAL SEDIMENT BARRIER MATRIX TOWARDS ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ATTRIBUTES Shekhar Salunke 1 , Chavan B.L. 2 1 Dept of Environmental Science, Solapur University, Solapur, MS, India 2 Dept of Environmental Science, Dr. B.A.M. University, Aurangabad, MS, India Ph; 9422501866, email: spr_salunke@bsnl.in Abstract The rationale behind the study was to estimate effectiveness of Eichhornia leaf filter sleeves as a sediment barrier matrix towards soil erosion and sediment control practice to curtail adverse impacts associated with sedimentation at the lake waters. The study had an objective to implement the development to fit the site under study to stabilize exposed soils as soon as practicable. The prime objective was to estimate the sediment captured by the sleeve to control and manage on-site by protecting the areas and retain sediment on-site. Primarily Eichhornia leaf filter sleeves (Sun dried premature Eichhornia leaf fills ) crammed in an IS 16008 (2012)- tubular mesh sleeve as a linear land based treatment filter to primarily study the efficacy of filtration ability of sediments and soluble pollutants a further contemplation. It is found that besides sediments some of the pollutants can be trapped in sediments downstream. The efficacy of the model was analyzed to be successful in preventing sediment inflows at the lake waters. Effectively percent reduction of sand 89%, TSS 68%, silt 56%, turbidity 51%, and clay by 18% was recorded. This describes the effectual exploitation of the notorious weed Eichhornia biomass sleeve towards reducing sediments and turbidity of runoff waters entering the lake waters enhancing the ecological status of the lakes. The studies portray the application of the Eichhornia sleeve in high reduction in total suspended solids and sand. Keywords: Conceptual Model, Sediment Barrier, Aquatic Ecosystem, Restoration. --------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. INTRODUCTION The study area, Lake Sambhaji is located at 3.6 km, approximately at the city Solapur of Maharashtra State, India. It is a natural lake with an area of 25.35 ha. The lake is located geographically, between Latitude: N 17° 38' 55.61 & Longitude: E 75° 54' 13.9, an altitude of 491.94 m msl. The water from the reservoir is being used for irrigation for forestry and fisheries. The lake suffers a huge sedimentation problems and thereby causing problems of the soil erosion, sedimentation and surface water turbidity. Soil erosion is a major land management issue due to stringent regulations on water quality and efforts to reduce the impact of various activities on sedimentation. Surface erosion is the movement of individual soil particles by a force, either by uniform removal of material from the soil surface (sheet erosion) or by concentrated removal of material in the downslope direction (rill erosion) [1 Foster 1982]. Erosion occurs due to wind and water primarily. Due to anthropogenic activity when the land is been disturbed there is an increase in the rate of erosion. The combination of precipitation, steep slopes, and erosive soils cause sheet and gully erosion. The surface runoff ultimately produces eroding channels which is known as rill erosion. Rills further broaden and result in gully erosion. Further when the eroded material is discharged into streams, ponds or lakes it results in the degradation of the water quality and poses a serious threat to the aquatic habitats. Besides sediments the water quality is also degraded by chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pathogenic microorganisms through the eroded particulates. Erosion is reduced by all material on or above the soil surface, such as naturally occurring vegetation, surface litter, rocks, and synthetic materials such as erosion mats, mulches, and other barriers that reduce the impact of the applied forces [2 McNabb, David H.; Swanson, Frederick J. 1990]. The effectiveness of a strategy depends principally on the researcher's capability to choose appropriate controls that address the exclusive distinctiveness and problems posed by a specific site. The success of the strategy relies on appropriate implementation of the erosion and sediment control strategy. There is a need to conserve natural features, drainage patterns, and vegetation; minimizing impervious surfaces; slowing down and/or filtering runoff. Therefore erosion and sediment control management plan must be integrated. An attempt was made through a pilot project to control sedimentation at lakes through a conceptual model preventing sediment flow into the lake waters with simulated runoff. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preventing soil erosion and sedimentation reduces impacts from disturbances and aids the overall accomplishment and safeguarding of water quality standards. The sedimentation control through the use of management practices to reduce sedimentation coupled with the non-structural practices is needful to diminish the impact on water resources. Data inventory through aerial photo (fig.3) of the site under investigation including the adjacent areas was used to recognize significant site distinctiveness, to develop the plan to control sedimentation along with additional as features of adjacent areas. Contour elevations pertaining to the slope