Distribution Of Aquatic Macrophytes Research Articles

High diversity of macrophytes in the »green river« Krka (Slovenia)

AbstractThe presence, abundance, and distribution of aquatic macrophytes and their growth forms in the river Krka in Slovenia were studied. The studied slow‐flowing lowland River Krka is also called a »green river« since it is overgrown with macrophytes from its source to its outflow to the river Sava. The environmental parameters of the river ecosystem were also assessed using the modified version of the RCE (Riparian, Channel, and Environmental Inventory) method. Within 24 sections reaching from 100 to 250 m, 23 taxa of macrophytes were found. Sections were distributed noncontinuously from the source to the outflow more or less equally along the river course. The invasive alien species Elodea canadensis reached the highest relative abundance, followed by Ranunculus trichophyllus, Potamogeton crispus, Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Potamogeton nodosus. Potamogeton crispus was present in most of the studied sections followed by Nasturtium officinale and M. spicatum. The river offers suitable conditions for the high diversity of macrophytes regarding the type of substrate, low flow velocity, heterogeneity of habitats, and relatively high concentrations of nutrients. In comparison to the survey performed in 2003, when the river Krka was surveyed continuously from the source to the outflow, we found that seven of the submerged and natant macrophytes were not detected in 2020. Macrophytes, growing in the river Krka, indicated meso‐ to eutrophic conditions. Five species recorded in the river Krka are listed on the Red list of endangered species in Slovenia, indicating the need to conserve the river ecosystem.

Plant distribution and conservation in mediterranean islands’ lentic wetlands: there is more than aquatic species

This study investigates the distribution and conservation status of plant species in lentic wetlands of Mediterranean islands. Field data on vascular macrophytes were collected from the online national databases of the “Conservation of the island wetlands of the Mediterranean Basin” (MedIsWet). A comprehensive inventory of wetlands was conducted, and information on the main anthropogenic impacts and conservation priorities was compiled. In addition to all vascular hygro- and hydrophytes, we retained information on those species typically adapted to environments with intermittent or temporary wetness. A significant knowledge gap regarding the distribution and conservation of plant species in Mediterranean wetlands was found. A lower endemism rate was observed particularly in coastal wetlands. However, approximately 25% of species, mainly with relatively wide distribution, were identified as endangered or with unknown conservation status. Including all macrophytes adapted to seasonal wetness is crucial when considering wetland conservation efforts. The research emphasised the importance of considering diverse wetland types, including seasonal and permanent, natural and artificial, for effective plant conservation. Artificial wetlands emerged as potential habitats with considerable biodiversity conservation value. This study provides a comprehensive inventory of wetlands and valuable insights into the distribution, ecology, and conservation relevance of aquatic macrophytes in Mediterranean islands. The research enhances our understanding of biogeographic patterns and processes, offers critical information for the management and conservation of Mediterranean island wetlands, and presents a replicable approach that can be applied to other wetland contexts.

Spatio-temporal distribution of aquatic macrophytes and their causes of degradation in Lake Qionghai

Spatio-temporal distribution of aquatic macrophytes and their causes of degradation in Lake Qionghai

Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in the Littoral of Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)

In alpine Lake Bohinj, which is an LTER site and a part of the national park, the occurrence and depth distribution of submerged and emerged aquatic macrophytes were analyzed. Nine submerged and one emergent macrophyte taxa were found in the lake: Myriophyllum spicatum, Chara virgata, Chara aspera, Potamogeton lucens, Potamogeton alpinus, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Potamogeton pusillus, Ranunculus circinatus with the synonym Batrachium foeniculaceum and the emergent species Phragmites australis. The depth of the vegetation zones was measured using a depth meter and their coordinates were recorded using a GNSS antenna with RTK receiver. These data were used along with a DEM of lake depths to accurately map the potential zone of macrophyte growth, which was based on the depths of macrophyte distribution. The potential zone of macrophyte growth consisted of 28 different transects and covered 240.14 ha of the lake. The macrophytes covered 5.55 ha. The most common and abundant species was M. spicatum. A significant difference in macrophyte cover was found between the south and north shores of the lake, with the south shore having more patches with a larger total area. A clear difference in macrophyte cover was also noted between the main inflow and outflow of the lake. The presence of macrophytes and their diversity varied in different parts of the lake due to differences in slope, depth and type of substrates.

Aquatic Floral Abundance on Ichthyofaunal Community in a Forested Stream of Pamba River in the Western Ghats

Aquatic macrophytes are essential to the fish community because they offer food, protection from predators and shelter. The present study deals with the influence of the distribution and abundance of aquatic macrophytes on stream fishes. Twenty-one species of aquatic plants and 13 associated fish species were identified during the study period of January-December 2019. In the study stream, the abundance of aquatic flora positively impacted the fish community. Certain aquatic macrophytes were highly preferred by individual fish species in the area. The Podostemonads formed a major plant group along the stream. Emergent plants, especially Lagenandra toxicaria played an important role in maintaining the composition of the fish community. Hypselobarbus kurali is a known genus of food fish, and they exhibited affinity to the area covered with Lagenandra toxicaria. Hydrilla verticillata, the submerzed plant showed extensive growth during monsoon and supported a large number of Haludaria fasciata.

ARRIVAL ORDER AND AQUATIC MACROPHYTE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IN A TROPICAL ESTUARY

The arrival order in species colonization may be important to the communities’ organization of perennial plants along environmental gradients. In estuarine gradients, the competitive exclusion may have great importance to species zonation regardless of their arrival order. However, priority effect has also been considered, since founder species may remain in the environment even with the later arrival of species of greater competitive ability. We evaluated whether the arrival order and priority effect influence the interspecific interaction between adult individuals (early-colonizing individuals) and young individuals (later-arriving individuals) of the perennial emergent estuarine aquatic macrophytes Spartina alterniflora (S) and Crinum americanum (C). We conducted a laboratory experiment with four cultures (monocultures of early-colonizing individuals of S; monocultures of early-colonizing individuals of C; cultures of early-colonizing individuals of S with introduction of later-arriving individuals of C; and cultures of early-colonizing individuals of C with introduction of later-arriving individuals of S) and two sediment types (lower and middle estuary sediment: salinity 32 and 20, respectively). We hypothesized that, due to the priority effect, in both sediment types (i) the later-arriving species would not establish itself in adult early-colonizing vegetation and (ii) the later-arriving species would not limit the growth of the early-colonizing species. Our results corroborate our hypotheses as the later-arriving individuals of S. alterniflora and C. americanum did not grow up and establish themselves in the heterospecific cultures of early-colonizing individuals in both sediment types. Furthermore, the growth of the early-colonizing individuals was not limited by the presence of the later-arriving individuals. We conclude that the arrival order and priority effect can influence the interspecific competition, communities’ organization and spatial distribution of aquatic macrophytes in tropical estuaries.

Abiotic factors that affect the distribution of aquatic macrophytes in shallow north temperate Minnesota lakes: a spatial modeling approach

Abiotic factors that affect the distribution of aquatic macrophytes in shallow north temperate Minnesota lakes: a spatial modeling approach

Spatio‐temporal, ontogenetic and sex‐related patterns in resource use of Amazonian manatees across floodplains and estuaries as inferred by δ13C and δ15N isotopic values

Abstract Threats to aquatic mammals may occur in isolation or in combination, leading to cumulative effects on populations and their ecosystems. Thus, conservation actions must consider the complexity of factors involved in patterns of habitat use, including feeding ecology, such as ontogenetic, spatial and temporal dietary shifts. The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) occurs in a variety of environments, such as várzeas and igapós (flooded areas) and estuaries. Different environments can lead to variation in the diet of manatees according to the availability and abundance of plant species. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of manatee teeth was performed to assess spatio‐temporal, ontogenetic and sex‐related patterns in resource use. Mixing models were applied to identify the most consumed plant groups. In várzeas, there were significant interactions between sex and ontogenetic class and ontogenetic class and time series for δ13C values. For manatees sampled from 1994 to 2004, males and adults showed the highest δ15N values, and aquatic C3, followed by C4 plants, were the groups that most contributed to the species’ diet. Comparisons among the environments showed the highest δ13C values for manatees from várzeas and the lowest values for manatees from igapós. Várzeas had the highest abundance of C4 plants (high δ13C values), whereas they are scarce in igapós, leading manatees to consume mainly C3 species. The isotopic values of manatees mirrored those of the most available food sources in each environment, supporting the generalist and opportunist behaviour described for the species. Therefore, threats to the diversity, distribution and abundance of aquatic macrophytes, such as contamination, cattle raising and changes in the hydrological cycle (as a consequence of dams and climate change), will affect the diet of the manatee and should be taken into account when designing conservation strategies for the species.

Distribution and diversity of aquatic macrophytes and the assessment of physico-chemical parameters of Dakatia beel in Khulna district, Bangladesh

The physico-chemical characteristics of water and aquatic macrophytes from Dakatia Beel under Khulna district in Bangladesh were studied within January, 2020 to February, 2021. Twenty three species of aquatic macrophytes belonging to 15 families have been recorded. The aquatic macrophytes in Dakatia Beel collected from several sites belonging to 23 genera and 15 families (Lemnaceae, Pontederiaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, Ceratophyllaceae, Onagraceae, Parkeriaceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiacee, Nymphaceae). We also observed the different plant groups which comprises 6 species of floating, 10 species of emergent and only 2 species of submerged aquatic macrophytes. Dissolved oxygen ranged between 1.78 to 2.2 mg/L with a mean value 1.95 mg/L. The study area showed maximum total dissolved solid 588 ppm and the minimum in 482 ppm with a mean value of 534 ppm. Maximum value of phosphate was noted in 1029 μg/L and minimum 988 μg/L with a mean value of 1005 μg/L. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (2), 118-125

Aquatic Macrophytes Determine the Spatial Distribution of Invertebrates in a Shallow Reservoir

Aquatic macrophytes determine the physical structure of many microhabitats in water and strongly influence the distribution of various aquatic animals. In this study, we analyzed the main microhabitat characteristics that affected the spatial distribution of invertebrates in shallow wetlands of South Korea (Jangcheok Reservoir). Environmental variables, macrophyte biomass, and invertebrate groups were used to analyze invertebrate distribution using a self-organizing map (SOM). Thirteen invertebrate groups were mapped onto the SOM, and each group was compared with the distribution of environmental variables and macrophyte biomass. Based on a U-matrix, five clusters were categorized according to Euclidean distance on the SOM. Invertebrate groups were closely related to macrophyte biomass. In particular, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Viviparidae, Ecnomidae, and Hydrophilidae were abundant in quadrats with a high cover of Paspalum distichum and Nelumbo nucifera. Bithyniidae and Coenagrionidae were strongly associated with Trapa japonica and Hydrocharis dubia, whereas Planorbidae, Corduliidae, and Hydrophilidae were abundant with a high cover of Typha orientalis. Similar habitat preferences were found in a survey of gastropod distribution on the surface of each macrophyte species. The results clearly indicated that invertebrate distribution clusters were related to the spatial distribution of aquatic macrophytes in a shallow wetland.

The effect of some environmental variables on the abundance and distribution of aquatic macrophytes in Al-Hawizeh marsh, Iraq

Aquatic macrophyte communities and environmental factors were studied at four Al-Hawizeh marsh sites from December 2017 until November 2018. Quantitative data from thirty species of aquatic plants were collected to investigate density, vegetation cover, biomass and their relationship to the environmental factors. For emerging plants, relative abundance reached the highest values (36%) than submerged and wet species, while free-floating plants produced the lowest value (17%).Physical and chemical properties have been studied including water temperature ranging from 11.3 ° C in January to 31.4 ° C in August, dissolved oxygen (DO)ranging from 1.88 mg/L in September to 10.5 mg / L in April, pH varied from 7.2 in June to 8.4 in December, electrical conductivity (EC μ.S/cm) differs from 2257 μ.S/cm in November to 6859 μ.S/cm in April. The results identified the highest percentages of vegetation cover reported during the summer, the lowest percentages revealed during the winter for all plant groups. The highest annual vegetation cover rates for submergent species achieved 52.54% by C.demersum, for free-floating plants 66.67% of S. polyrrhiza, for emergent plants 85.5% of P. australis, 41.62% of P. paspaloide for wet plants. Total mean biomass of plant groups showed the highest value of 844.02 (gm dry weight/m2) reported by emerging plants, the lowest value of 47.25 (gm dry weight / m2) by the wet plants. Thus, biomass values were correlated with the vegetation cover values for all plants.

Diversity and Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in Bargi Reservoir on River Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, India

Diversity and Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in Bargi Reservoir on River Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, India

Seed germination and dispersal of Eleocharis acuta and Eleocharis sphacelata under experimental hydrological conditions

The occurrence and distribution of aquatic macrophytes within a wetland depends on the hydrological requirements of each species and the hydrological conditions. The aims of this study were to: (1) determine relationships between germination of Eleocharis acuta and Eleocharis sphacelata and hydrological regime, (2) determine the buoyancy of the seeds of E. acuta and E. sphacelata and hence their ability to disperse by hydrochory and (3) determine whether E. acuta and E. sphacelata exhibit dormancy. The seeds of E. acuta and E. sphacelata both germinated best on soil-soaked and when inundated for 80 days (to a depth of 5 cm). No seeds of either species germinated under rainfall conditions. Viability testing following the experiment showed that some seeds of both species remained ungerminated and viable following soaking, inundation and rainfall conditions for 90 days, demonstrating that E. acuta and E. sphacelata exhibit dormancy. At least 50% of E. acuta seeds floated for 32 days, while 50% of E. sphacelata seeds remained floating for at least 39 days. These germination and dispersal characteristics define where and when these Eleocharis species establish related to temporal and spatial hydrological variability.

Association Between the Distributions and Chemical Composition of Aquatic Macrophytes and Bacterial Community Structure in Some Irrigation Canals (Rayahs) of the Nile River, Egypt

Variations in distribution, species composition, and chemical constituents of aquatic macrophytes of Al-Rayah El Tawfiky (T) and Al-Rayah El Monoufy (M) in addition to their relations with bacterial communities structure and water variables were studied over the period from spring 2014 to winter 2015. Ten of the aquatic macrophytes species related to 7 families and 9 genera were recorded. Myriophyllum spicatum was the most dominant species, the autumn season and Al-Rayah (M) were the richest in species numbers. Protein, lipid, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were detected at higher concentrations in Ceratophyllum demersum from Al-Rayah (T), however organic matter and nitrogen-free extracts contents attended their highest values in Potamogeton nodosus from Al-Rayah (M). Microbial analyses indicated the presence of total bacterial counts and the total diazotrophs in high population densities (Up to 105). However, total and fecal coliforms populations are exceeding the permissible limits cited by World Health Organization, recorded their highest numbers in spring at the site of Al Rayah (M) which was occupied by Potamogeton nodose and Myriophyllum spicatum. A significant difference in chemical composition, distribution pattern, the community structure of aquatic macrophytes, and bacteria attributed to the seasons and site differences, in addition to the nutritional potential of the analyzed macrophytes species especially submerged ones were recorded.

Diversity and distribution of aquatic vascular macrophytes in lake Buluan, Philippines

This study aimed to determine the species composition and distribution of aquatic vascular macrophytes in Lake Buluan in Maguindanao and Sultan kudarat, Philippines. A total of ten (10) macrophytic species in 16 sampling sites were studied. In our observation, a non-native invasive species Eichhornia crassipes found to be dominant with a frequency of 81% occupying 496 hectares. The species diversity is found to be uneven and absence of submerged aquatic vegetation induces stress and disturbance in the lake ecosystem. Photographs of identified vascular macrophytes, study sites, Distribution map were provided. We recommend substantial measures have to be implemented to protect Buluan lake ecosystem against eutrophication and invasion.

Aquatic macrophyte diversity, distribution, and control in coastal Southern Ghana, with priority on non-native invasive species

Abstract. Ernest A, Ameka GK. 2019. Aquatic macrophyte diversity, distribution, and control in coastal Southern Ghana, with priority on non-native invasive species. Ocean Life 3: 87-93. Southern Ghana has been the focus of research into the variety and distribution of aquatic macrophytes, focusing on invasive species. Greater Accra, the Central Region, the Ashanti Region, the Eastern Region, the Volta Region, and the Western Region were all included in the study. Voucher specimens were obtained from 44 locations and submitted to the Ghana Herbarium. Sixty-two species of aquatic macrophytes were found, representing 48 genera and 30 families. All the aquatic macrophytes seen were classified into two groups, those that were invasive and those that were not; these were further divided into their respective families. With nine species, the Cyperaceae family emerged as the contender. IUCN (2004) criteria were used to determine if a species met the definition of an invasive. Because of this, the observed aquatic macrophytes were classified as invasive or noninvasive. Fifty-two aquatic species were found to be noninvasive, whereas eleven were found to be invasive. The aquatic macrophytes' life histories were also analyzed. There were 41 emergent species (67%), 11 free-floating species (17%), eight submerged species (13%), and two floating-leaf species (3%). Eleven types of invasive aquatic plants were found, and distribution maps were made for each. In the southern region of Ghana, Pistia stratiotes were found in seven different locations, making it the most widespread invasive aquatic plant in the region. All 62 invasive and noninvasive species were recorded in a database. Among these were the species' scientific and colloquial names and their genus and family, description, reproduction, habitat, distribution, and uses. Each method of control for invasive aquatic macrophytes was reviewed to make advantage of the most effective strategies for their management and eradication.

World distribution, diversity and endemism of aquatic macrophytes

To test the hitherto generally-accepted hypothesis that most aquatic macrophytes have broad world distributions, we investigated the global distribution, diversity and endemism patterns of 3457 macrophyte species that occur in permanent, temporary or ephemeral inland freshwater and brackish waterbodies worldwide. At a resolution of 10 × 10° latitude x longitude, most macrophyte species were found to have narrow global distributions: 78% have ranges (measured using an approach broadly following the IUCN-defined concept “extent of occurrence”) that individually occupy <10% of the world area present within the six global ecozones which primarily provide habitat for macrophytes. We found evidence of non-linear relationships between latitude and macrophyte α- and γ-diversity, with diversity highest in sub-tropical to low tropical latitudes, declining slightly towards the Equator, and also declining strongly towards higher latitudes. Landscape aridity and, to a lesser extent, altitude and land area present per gridcell also influence macrophyte diversity and species assemblage worldwide. The Neotropics and Orient have the richest ecozone species-pools for macrophytes, depending on γ-diversity metric used. The region around Brasilia/Goiás (Brazil: gridcell 10–20 °S; 40–50 °W) is the richest global hotspot for macrophyte α-diversity (total species α-diversity, ST: 625 species/gridcell, 350 of them Neotropical endemics). In contrast, the Sahara/Arabian Deserts, and some Arctic areas, have the lowest macrophyte α-diversity (ST <20 species/gridcell). At ecozone scale, macrophyte species endemism is pronounced, though with a>5-fold difference between the most species-rich (Neotropics) and species-poor (Palaearctic) ecozones. Our findings strongly support the assertion that small-ranged species constitute most of Earth’s species diversity.

Impacts of Anthropogenic Land Use/Land Cover on the Distribution of Invasive Aquatic Macrophytes in Tropical Floodplains: a Case Study from the Barak River Basin in Northeast India

Impacts of Anthropogenic Land Use/Land Cover on the Distribution of Invasive Aquatic Macrophytes in Tropical Floodplains: a Case Study from the Barak River Basin in Northeast India

Influence of physicochemical water quality on aquatic macrophyte diversity in seasonal wetlands

The present study aims to assess the physicochemical parameters and distribution of aquatic macrophytes of seasonal wetlands flowing into the coast of Palk Bay, southeast coast of India. We tested the hypothesis whether there is any statistically significant difference in physicochemical parameters and macrophyte communities among study location. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, DO, turbidity and electrical conductivity, and the aquatic macrophyte diversity were estimated in all three stations. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation were employed to assess the relationship between water quality parameters, and the water quality index (WQI) was computed to assess the status of water conditions. The ANOVA revealed that there is no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in water quality parameters among the three stations. The lowest f value 0.180 was recorded for pH and highest of 2.478 for TDS. A total of 7 submerged macrophytes, namely Ceratophyllum demersum L., Egeria densa Planch., Lemna minor L., Marsilea quadrifolia L., Sagittaria guayanensis and Isoetes riparia; 6 rooted floating weeds, namely Potamogeton nodosus Poir., Nymphaea odorata Aiton., Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Hydrilla verticillata; 1 floating, namely Eichhornia crassipes Kunth; and 1 rooted macrophyte, namely Najas minor, were recorded in Tharavai wetland. A deplorable water quality condition was found in the selected study area, which was evidenced from WQI (> 76%). Of this, submerged aquatic vegetation is used as the water quality key indicator, and it exists where there is a better water quality condition. The EC, TDS and turbidity negatively influenced the aquatic macrophytes. Therefore, there is a need for some adaptation measure to maintain the water quality for more extended period for domestic use.

Distribution of aquatic macrophytes along depth gradients in Lajeado Reservoir, Tocantins River, Brazil

Abstract Aim The present study investigated the diversity of aquatic macrophytes in the littoral zone of Lajeado Reservoir, Tocantins River. We characterized spatial variations in species richness, composition and abundance along depth gradients. Methods Macrophyte sampling occurred at the end of the dry season (September and October 2014) in four sites of the reservoir. We established transects perpendicular to the shoreline, each 25 m long, divided in 3 sections (plots of 5 x 5 m). Results In total, we recorded 18 taxa of aquatic macrophytes, belonging to nine families and four life forms. Najas microcarpa, Echinodorus tenellus. and Chara sp. were the more frequent and abundant taxa. Considering depth gradients, we recorded 18 taxa in the section closer to the shoreline, 13 in the middle section and 10 in the section more distant to the shoreline. Submerged and emergent species were more frequent and abundant, especially in the section close to the shoreline; epiphytes and free-floating species were rare. Plot species richness (total, emergent and submerged) decreased along the gradient, and a Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) revealed that the plot close to the shoreline had different composition when compared to adjacent sections. Individual species showed particular behaviors, but most tended to decline in abundance and occurrence along the gradient. Conclusions The present study revealed that small-scale environmental gradients affect the distribution of aquatic plants in Lajeado Reservoir, with greater diversity in habitats close to the shoreline.