Effects of Acetic Acid on Germination and Growth of Turions of Potamogeton crispus and Fragments of Elodea nuttallii

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion of organic matters in eutrophic lake sediment produced acetic acid. Germination and growth of turions of Potamogeton crispus and fragments of Elodea nuttallii under acetic acid stresses were investigated. The propagules were exposed to acetic acid from 1 to 16mmol/l for a period of 3 or 6 days, and were subsequently cultured in absence of acetic acid. Most E. nuttallii could germinate at concentration of 1mmol/l, but the growth was significantly inhibited. No E. nuttallii could survive after exposures to 4mmol/l or over. 63.3% of P. crispus survived in the exposure to 8mmol/l for 3 days. However, the stronger stresses caused death of P. crispus. Results indicated that P. cripus was more tolerant to acetic acid than E. nuttallii, and that presence of acetic acid in sediment may cause great difficulties in reestablishing submerged macrophytes in eutrophic lakes.