Macrophyte Diversity Research Articles

Macrophyte Diversity and Ecosystem Services in Wetlands of Eastern Ranchi: A Multi-site Analysis of Abundance, Frequency, and Importance Value Index Patterns

Macrophytes, visible aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, are integral components of wetland ecosystems, playing crucial roles in maintaining biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, and ensuring ecological stability. This research examines the distribution, abundance, frequency, diversity, and ecosystem services of macrophytes in several wetlands (W1-W7) located in the eastern part of Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India. The study sites include Bundu Lake, Hindalco Pond, Choga Bada Talab, Raja Bandh, Kita Uparbandh, Tamar Bada Talab, and Rukka Dam. A quantitative assessment using quadrat sampling and phytosociological methods was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 to ensure accurate data collection and analysis. The study documented 78 macrophyte species belonging to 33 families and 58 genera. Emergent macrophytes were found to be the dominant life form, constituting 69% of the recorded species. Several species demonstrated high frequency and abundance across multiple study sites, including Pontederia crassipes Mart., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart) Griseb., Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Ipomoea aquaticaForssk., and Nymphoides hydrophyllum (Lour.) kuntze. To assess the diversity and ecological characteristics of the macrophyte communities, various diversity indices were calculated. These included the Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson's index, Margalef index, and Pielou's Evenness index. The results of these analyses revealed high levels of macrophyte diversity and evenness within the studied wetlands. Twenty-one macrophytes were identified as key species and nine species as rare species based on their IVI (Importance Value Index) scores. The key species were found to provide essential ecosystem services, including erosion control, water quality improvement, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision for other organisms. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of macrophyte diversity patterns and traits-based ecosystem services in wetland ecosystems. The findings of this study have important implications for the development and implementation of effective conservation strategies for these vital wetland ecosystems in the eastern Ranchi (W1- W7).

Macrophyte litter mixtures mediate decomposition processes in coastal sediments

Understanding litter decomposition processes in coastal macrophyte habitats is critically important for predicting ecosystem functioning. However, decomposition processes of litter mixtures in coastal habitats remain largely unexplored. Here, we evaluated the litter mixture effects on the decomposition of six marine macrophytes (two seagrasses and four macroalgae) through in situ litter-mixing experiments with five levels of litter species richness and 36 different litter compositions. We found that the litter species identity and composition, rather than species richness, were crucial in structuring benthic faunal communities. Macroalgal litter, particularly Sargassum sp., hosted higher numbers of polychaetes and crustaceans than seagrass litter. More macroalgal presence induced faster decomposition rates of seagrass litter in the late stage, but not in the early stage. These findings suggest that changes in macrophyte diversity and composition can alter decomposition processes and, consequently, the sediment organic carbon stock through the transition of litter sources and benthic faunas.

Seasonal study on the Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitat of Edayar region, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

This study examines the plant diversity and physicochemical characteristics of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the industrialized region of Edayar, Kadungalloor, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The research is conducted seasonally, encompassing the four seasons of Kerala: southwest monsoon, northeast monsoon, winter season and summer season. Edayar is home to approximately 400 industries. The main objective of this study is to assess the plant diversity with a specific focus on herb and macrophyte diversity, in the Edayar region, along with analyzing the physicochemical properties of soil and water. Random sampling using quadrat techniques is employed to collect data on species diversity. Diversity indices, such as the Simpson Index and Shannon-Wiener index are utilized to analyze the recorded species diversity. Scoparia dulcis L. among herb species and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms among macrophytes were found dominating in all the seasons. The results for the physico-chemical analysis of water and soil were found approaching the threshold of standard limits.The findings provide valuable insights into plant diversity and ecological dynamics of the Edayar region, which have been significantly impacted by industrial activities. The outcomes serve as a basis for the development and implementation of effective conservation and management strategies to mitigate potential ecological risks associated with industrial activities in the region.

Self-purification in tropical upland rivers as affected by environmental factors: the case of Balili River in Benguet, Philippines

A major data gap in tropical river ecology is the limited documentation of natural water purification of upstream rivers. This study documented the improvement of water quality of downstream Balili River as affected by environmental factors and macrophyte diversity using a mixed-method approach (water quality assessment, plant inventory, field observation, canonical correspondence analysis, community interview). Results showed that the distance from pollution plays a significant role in the self-purification of the river while the floral diversity maintains the riparian from further contaminating the water and at the same time absorbing air pollutants. Generally, the pollution reduction and %change is exponential at 2 and 3 km from point source then taper at 4 and 5 km. At 3 km from the point source, 30% improvement in TDS, BOD and salinity, 25% for EC, 20% in TSS, 35% in WQI, 36% in CPI, and 50% for DO were noted. Key factors that influence the self-purification process in the river were distance from pollution source, elevation, human disturbance (as indicated by %tree canopy) and temperature. These findings highlight the importance of distance from pollution sources and floral diversity in driving water quality improvements, with implications for sustainable water resource management in tropical regions.

Diversity, Abundance, and Seasonal Variation of Aquatic Macrophytes in Southeastern Bangladesh

The study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of aquatic macrophytes in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, encompassing the Noakhali, Cumilla, and Chandpur districts. The study was carried out over the period of July 2022 to June 2023. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating observation of the study area, qualitative interviews, and quantitative surveys. Five types of aquatic macrophytes, 47 species from 18 orders and 25 families were identified. These are free-floating, rooted-floating, emergent, submerged, and marginal. Among the three locations, Noakhali was recorded as the highest with 44 species, followed by Cumilla with 43, and Chandpur with 35. In Noakhali, seasonal variation analysis showed that 39% of species were found in the rainy season, 14% in summer, 14% in winter, and 20% year-round. In Cumilla, 35% of aquatic macrophytes were available in the rainy season, and 14%, 12%, and 5% in winter, spring, and autumn, respectively. In Chandpur, 37% of aquatic macrophytes were prevalent in the rainy season, 26% were found year-round, 9% in winter, 14% in summer, and 6% each in spring and autumn. In Noakhali, 44% of macrophytes were frequent, 33% moderate, and 23% rare. In Cumilla, 49% were frequent, 44% moderate, and 14% rare. Chandpur reported 49% frequent, 31% moderate, and 20% rare species. The order Alismatales emerged as the dominant order comparatively across all locations. This research will provide insights into the biodiversity of aquatic macrophytes in this area, thus supporting effective management strategies.

Species Diversity and Composition of Macrophytes in Shallabugh Wetland, Ganderbal, Jammu, and Kashmir, India

Macrophyte diversity, richness, and composition of the Shallabugh wetland Reserve, one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in India. The wetland shows the presence of 39 plant species of 27 families and three tree species belonging to three families and a diversity index of H = 3.12 and Evenness e^H/S = 0.5836. The high Importance Value Index (IVI=22.8) was recorded for Typha latifolia, followed by Ceratophyllum demersum (IVI=19.2). The shift in macrophyte community structure is evidenced by the local extinction of Nelumbo nucifera from the Shallabugh wetland area and the near-disappearance of some economically important plants such as Trapa natans (IVI= 0.24). The investigation of various aspects of the wetland ecology of Shallabugh reveals that species composition has witnessed great changes over the years. The conversion of the 141 hectares of wetland into grassland gave way for terrestrial species to flourish. The study serves as the baseline study of the macrophyte community composition and structure of the Shallabugh wetland.

Does invasive submerged macrophyte diversity affect dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes in sediments with varying microplastics?

Nitrogen removal is essential for restoring eutrophic lakes. Microorganisms and aquatic plants in lakes are both crucial for removing excess nitrogen. However, microplastic (MP) pollution and the invasion of exotic aquatic plants have become increasingly serious in lake ecosystems due to human activity and plant-dominant traits. This field mesocosm study explored how the diversity of invasive submerged macrophytes affects denitrification (DNF), anammox (ANA), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in lake sediments with varying MPs. Results showed that invasive macrophytes suppressed DNF rates, but DNRA and ANA were less sensitive than DNF to the diversity of invasive species. Sediment MPs increased the biomass of invasive species more than native species, but did not affect microbial processes. The effects of MPs on nitrate dissimilatory reduction were process-specific. MPs increased DNF rates and the competitive advantage of DNF over DNRA by changing the sediment environment. The decoupling of DNF and ANA was also observed, with increased DNF rates and decreased ANA rates. The study findings suggested new insights into how the invasion of exotic submerged macrophytes affects the sediment nitrogen cycle complex environments.

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.

Changes in submerged macrophyte diversity, coverage and biomass in a biosphere reserve site after 20 years: A plea for conservation efforts

The conservation of submerged vegetation is crucial in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. We have assessed, by means of subaquatic quantitative sampling transects, the current status of the hydrophytic flora in 14 lakes in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve site in central Spain, surrounded by a semi-arid landscape. The conforming lakes have endured several anthropic pressures for decades (e.g., eutrophication, land-use changes, etc.). By comparing the current with the former status (20 years ago) of hydrophytes in the natural park, substantial negative (species richness loss, decrease in submerged meadow coverage, particularly in the upstream lakes) and positive (natural recovery of meadows after the cut-off of sudden disturbances caused by point pollution sources, improving of trophic state in some lakes, no presence of exotic hydrophytes) changes in the lakes were noticed. We have analyzed that the disappearance of all the hydrophyte (mainly charophytes) stands would represent the loss of ecosystem services. For example, up to 70 t CH4 might be released from the charophyte detritus, an internal pool of phosphorus (as high as 1400 mgP/m2) stored in the charophytes stands could be liberated. Some lakes require special measures, but overall, to preserve this lake complex, and other similar ones, we propose to study, in detail, the causes of submerged vegetation deterioration (focusing on the presence of pesticides –in water and sediments-, and other reasons) to assess the ecological risks, to protect the groundwater resources, preventing the lakes from receiving surficial point and non-point sources of pollution.

Diversity of Macrophytes and Macroinvertebrates in Different Types of Standing Waters in the Drava Field

The diversity of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates in small standing waters of different origins and characteristics was investigated. This survey covered 19 ponds in the Drava field in northeastern Slovenia. The influence of the macrophytes on the macroinvertebrates was investigated and the main environmental factors that had the most significant influence on the composition of the two communities were identified. Sixty-seven taxa of macrophytes and seventy-three families of macroinvertebrates were identified. We found that a diverse macrophyte community has a positive effect on the macroinvertebrate community. In contrast, the dominance of a single macrophyte species has a strong negative influence on the richness of the macroinvertebrate community. The taxonomic richness and abundance of the macroinvertebrate community in the natural ponds was statistically significantly higher than that in artificial ponds. The significant differences in the environmental characteristics between the natural and artificial ponds, such as the macrophyte cover, conductivity, and riparian zone width, may account for these differences. Our study suggests that a greater diversity of macrophyte and macroinvertebrate communities in natural ponds is enabled by abundant but diverse macrophyte cover, low phosphorus content, and wide riparian zones, which require appropriate management of ponds and their catchments.

Structural complexity and benthic metabolism: resolving the links between carbon cycling and biodiversity in restored seagrass meadows

Abstract. Due to large losses of seagrass meadows worldwide, restoration is proposed as a key strategy for increasing coastal resilience and recovery. The emergence of a seagrass meadow is expected to substantially amplify biodiversity and enhance benthic metabolism by increasing primary productivity and respiration. Nevertheless, open questions remain regarding the metabolic balance of aging seagrass meadows and the roles benthic communities within the seagrass ecosystem play in overall metabolism. To address these questions, we investigated a chronosequence of bare sediments and adjacent Zostera marina meadows of 3 and 7 years since restoration alongside a natural meadow located within a high-temperate marine embayment in Gåsö, Sweden. We combined continuous measurements of O2 fluxes using underwater eddy covariance with dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and O2 fluxes from benthic chambers during the productive season (July). Based on the ratio between O2 and DIC, we derived site-specific photosynthetic and respiratory quotients, enabling the conversion of eddy covariance fluxes to DIC. We assessed benthic diversity parameters as potential drivers of metabolic flux variability. We observed high rates of gross primary productivity (GPP) spanning −18 to −82 mmolDICm-2d-1, which increased progressively with meadow age. Community respiration (CR) mirrored the GPP trend, and all meadows were net heterotrophic (GPP < CR), with net community productivity (NCP) ranging from 16 to 28 mmolDICm-2d-1. While autotrophic biomass did not increase with meadow age, macrophyte diversity did, elucidating potential effects of niche complementarity among macrophytes on community metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into how community composition and meadow development relate to ecosystem functioning, highlighting potential tradeoffs between carbon uptake and biodiversity.

Assessment of Surface Water Physicochemical Variables and Macrophytes Diversity in Sokoto and Rima Rivers, Nigeria

The Sokoto and Rima Rivers are vital water bodies in Nigeria, supporting local ecosystems and communities. This study aimed to investigate various physical and chemical parameters of the water, as well as the diversity of macrophytes present in the Sokoto and Rima Rivers. Standard methods of determining physicochemical parameters and surveys of macrophytes were adopted. Results obtained revealed that temperature and depth were found to be the most influential factors on macrophytes distribution. In Sokoto River, average temperature ranged from 27.00℃ to 27.30℃, and average depth from 285 to 295 meters at both stations A and B. In Rima River, average temperature varied from 25.85℃ to 26.50℃, and average depth ranged from 730 to 735 meters at both stations A and B. Emergent species were dominant among the 20 identified macrophyte species, with 18 species, while free-floating and submerged species each represented one species. This research contributes to understanding the ecological health of the Sokoto and Rima Rivers, guiding conservation efforts, informing water resource management, and identifying potential impacts on human activities in these areas. Ultimately, the goal is to support sustainable development and protect these valuable natural resources for the long term.

Study on Aquatic Macrophytes Diversity of Popatkhed Dam Near Akot Tahsil, District Akola (MS), India

The Popatkhed Dam is principal fresh water body located in Popatkhed village of Akot Tahsil in Akola District of Maharashtra State. Akot is a tahsil place and it is 45 km north side away from Akola. In present investigation Popatkhed Dam is 15 km north side away from Akot tahsil and it is about 778Mabove form sealevel and is at 77o 5’3.89” E longitude and 21o 12’ 15.17” N latitude and depth of water is 42.6 M (140 feet). The gross storage capacity of water is 10,709 km3 (2,569 cu. mi), the water of this dam is primary used for washing, bathing, fishing activities, agricultural and other domestic purpose but now it is at a traditional state with respect to degradation. The Macrophytes were studied from Jan 2023 to Dec 2023 during this period total 21 species of Macrophytes were found in sample of water three sites A, B and C. In the present study total 21 Macrophytes species of 5 different types were recorded in Popatkhed Dam

Diversity of Aquatic Macrophyte Species of Pardi Wetland, Valsad District, Gujarat, India: Social-economic and Ethnobotanical importance

Wetlands, which serve as a transition between land and water, are a source of concern across the world in terms of resource evaluation and use, environmental protection, pollution control, eco-restoration, biodiversity conservation, and so on. Wetlands are an important aspect of human civilization because they provide drinking water, food, improved water quality, sediment retention, flood storage, transportation, recreation, and climate stabilization, among other things. Despite their numerous advantages, wetlands are increasingly subjected to anthropogenic pressures and are rapidly disappearing. Valsad district is the developing district of Gujarat state, located between 20°37'48.00" N and 72°55'48.00" E, making it one of Gujarat's rainiest districts and having many wetland ecosystems with great aquatic biodiversity. The present investigation aimed to list, find, and investigate wetlands, with a focus on macrophyte species, because of their high socioeconomic and ethnobotanical relevance. The current study identified a total of 43 macrophyte species, which are organized into 35 genera and 24 different families. Out of the 43 macrophyte species, 40 were recorded as angiosperms, 02 as pteridophytes, and 01 as macroalgae. In the present investigation, existing macrophyte species were evaluated based on their ecological classification, life form classification, and their wetland indicator status. This research not only showed the diversity of indigenous macrophytes but also discusses the utilization of aquatic plants for socioeconomic and ethnobotanical purposes, which enhance the traditional medicinal knowledge about the macrophytes.

Local and species contribution of beta diversity of macrophytes in perspective of conservation and restoration of Ganga River, India

Local and species contribution of beta diversity of macrophytes in perspective of conservation and restoration of Ganga River, India

Yeşilırmak deltası Terme sulak alanlarında etnobotanik ve tıbbi potansiyele sahip yaygın makrofitler

The current research aimed to document the ethnobotany and medical important aquatic/semi-aquatic macrophytes common in the Terme wetlands in the Yeşilırmak Delta in northern Türkiye. To determine the ethno-medical potential of aquatic plants, the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local people was not used, and scientific studies on the subject were evaluated. There are rich lentic and lotic systems with different features, depths and sizes in the Yeşilırmak Delta. Macrophytes, used in the treatment of various ailments and whose bioactive properties are mentioned in the literature, were collected and identified through field research lasting five years (2017-2022). In the examinations, it was determined that Terme wetlands are very rich in terms of macrophyte diversity. A total of 22 water plant species with ethno-medicinal characteristics, belonging to 18 genera and 14 families, were documented from Terme wetlands. Plants consist of emerged, submersed, floating, and free-floating leaf species in aquatic/semi-aquatic habitats. It has been determined that some macrophytes (Azolla filiculoides Lam., Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Horkel ex Wimm., Salvinia natans (L.) All., Ceratophyllum demersum L., Ranunculus sphaerospermus Boiss & Blanche, R. trichophyllus Chaix ex Vill.) overgrow in different seasons. Literature research shows that existing aquatic plants are rich in bioactive compounds, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc. In addition to its effects, it has also been shown that it has the potential to be used in different areas of industry. Study findings show that Yeşilırmak Delta has significant potential in ethnobotanical aquatic plant richness. Aquatic plants have been ignored as medicinal plants in Türkiye. However, research shows that these plants, common in wetlands, have high potential for natural, commercial and pharmacological use. Determining the aquatic plant diversity and potential of wetlands can support ethnobotanical research. Macrophytes rich in edible and bioactive components can contribute to the region's economic, ecological and sociocultural activities. It can also ensure the protection of wetlands, which have been under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities in recent years. Preserving wetlands, which have many functional features, is very important in terms of being least affected by global climate change, which is expected to increase its impact in the future and ensure the sustainability of natural balance and biodiversity.

Adding Cipangopaludina chinensis Altered the Effects of Submerged Macrophyte Diversity on Water Turbidity and Nitrogen Concentration

Adding Cipangopaludina chinensis Altered the Effects of Submerged Macrophyte Diversity on Water Turbidity and Nitrogen Concentration

Quantitative Assessment of Macrophytes Diversity and their Status in Wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (India)

The most significant and taxonomically varied biotic element in every aquatic environment is aquatic macrophytes. They play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem's structure and functionality. Additionally serving as bioindicators of the general health of a water body are macrophyte kinds, variety, density, and depth. In present study, the quantitative diversity of aquatic macrophytes was assessed from different wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya which is a central university and holds four important water bodies in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh state, India. A total of 33 aquatic macrophytes species were identified belonging to 21 families from wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya. These macrophytes were grouped as floating, submerged and emergent mainly dominated by emergent macrophyte species followed by floating and submerged i.e., 23, 8 and 2 species respectively. The highest species diversity was observed in Pond 1 and 4 with 26 species each and highest species richness was observed in Pond 4 with 158 individual counts, the highest IVI was achieved by emergent Ipomoea carnea (16.492) and the highest occurring family was found to be Cyperaceae (12.12% of total species). Other diversity indices were calculated as 3.451, 0.042, 33 and 0.946 for Shannon-Wiener Index (H’), Simpson's Index (D), Species Richness (R), and Evenness (E) respectively. However, for the conservation and sustainable utilization of aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the status and importance of macrophytes to the ecosystem and its functioning.

PEMULIHAN PERAIRAN TERCEMAR MENGGUNAKAN MAKROFITA AIR

Indonesia possesses a potential and diverse biodiversity of plants that can be utilized as phytoremediation agents. One of the ecosystems frequently encountering pollution is the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, this research is conducted to identify the diversity of aquatic macrophytes with the potential for water remediation efforts. The method employed is qualitative descriptive based on literature review. The literature study revealed 30 species of aquatic macrophytes, with 15 species prominently utilized for environmental remediation. Among these, Ipomea aquatica and Scirpus grossus emerge as the most widely employed aquatic macrophytes.

A functional perspective on the factors underpinning biomass-bound carbon stocks in coastal macrophyte communities

Coastal ecosystems have received international interest for their possible role in climate change mitigation, highlighting the importance of being able to assess and predict how changes in habitat distributions and their associated communities may impact the greenhouse gas sink potential of these vegetated seascapes. Importantly, the range and diversity of macrophytes within the vegetated seascape have different capacities to store C within their biomass and potentially sequester C depending on their functional trait characteristics. To bridge the present knowledge gaps in linking macrophyte traits to C storage in tissue, we (1) quantified biomass-bound C stocks within diverse macrophyte communities, separately for soft and hard bottom habitats and (2) explored the links between various traits of both vascular plants and macroalgae and their respective biomass-bound C stocks using structural equation modeling (SEM). We conducted a field survey where we sampled 6 soft bottom locations dominated by aquatic vascular plants and 6 hard bottom locations dominated by the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus in the Finnish archipelago. Macrophyte carbon stocks of hard bottom locations were an order of magnitude higher than those found in soft bottom locations. Biodiversity was associated with aquatic plant carbon stocks through mass ratio effects, highlighting that carbon stocks were positively influenced by the dominance of species with more acquisitive resource strategies, whereas age was the main driver of carbon in the mono-specific macroalgal communities. Overall, our results demonstrate that habitat type and dominating life-history strategies influenced the size of the organism-bound carbon stocks. Moreover, we showed the importance of accounting for the diversity of different traits to determine the drivers underpinning carbon storage in heterogenous seascapes composed of macrophyte communities with high functional diversity.