Hydraulic effects of aquatic weeds in U.K. rivers

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of large aquatic plants (aquatic macrophytes) have been given limited attention in literature dealing with open channel flow. This is despite a large number of river channels in the U.K. being affected by profuse growths of these plants. This paper contributes to three major areas in relation to aquatic macrophytes and river channels.First, a literature review examines four areas of vegetated channel research. Early work on vegetated channels concentrated upon grass‐lined farm drainage channels in the U.S.A. This was complemented by flume studies of predominantly artificial vegetative roughness elements. The review discusses research into large aquatic plants in stream channels, and the discussion draws together a number of disparate areas of research into vegetated channels including theoretical considerations.Secondly, the paper discusses results obtained from laboratory flume experiments, using real plants, and field monitoring on the River Ebble, Wiltshire, U.K. The relationship between discharge and Manning's roughness coefficient (n) is examined. Field monitoring results are presented as generalizations in the relationship between Manning's n when the monitoring sites were vegetated and unvegetated. The relationship between plant cover in the channel and Manning's n is also examined. Two measurements of plant cover are employed: the percentage cross‐sectional area of channel vegetated, and biomass per unit area. The field data for Manning's n and discharge are then discussed in detail in a case study of one site on the River Ebble.Finally, the results obtained from field monitoring are compared to previous research. In the light of these comparisons and detailed examination of the field and flume data, a conceptual model of the effects of aquatic plant growth on channel roughness, mean flow depth, and flow stage is represented. Using this model, an estimate can be made of the likely effect of changing plant cover and discharge on flow stage in an open channel.