ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ITS IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY IN SELECTED URBAN AND RURAL ECOSYSTEMS

The study results revealed significant positive correlations between environmental quality and biodiversity at the selected ecosystems in the city and countryside. The outcome showed that the environmental quality of rural ecosystem was better than the urban ecosystem in respect of species richness, species diversity, species abundance and habitat condition. The highest positive correlation with biodiversity was the green cover and land use conditions which highlights the importance of nature's vegetation and suitable habitats in achieving ecological balance. The urban ecosystem was doing better in waste management but had relatively more press regarding environmental deterioration in the form of decrease in green cover and land use changes. The study emphasized the need for environmental quality improvement, green spaces, preservation of natural habitats and encouraging sustainable land use to support biodiversity and sustainability in urban/rural areas.

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