Investigation of the Relationship Between Emergent Macrophytes and Physicochemical Parameters in Rivers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between emergent macrophyte species in rivers representing various water body types in Türkiye and general chemical parameters collected in line with the Water Framework Directive. The relationship between aquatic macrophytes and abiotic variables in rivers was investigated using Canonical Correspondence Analysis. In addition, the ortho-phosphate parameter, which effects the distribution and abundance of river macrophytes, was included in the analysis along with other river parameters. According to the findings of the study that covered certain rivers in our country's western region, all phosphorus and nitrogen compounds included in the study were effective in the distribution of emergent aquatic plants. Among these parameters, nitrate, organic nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ortho-phosphate distinguished in terms of aquatic plant distribution.