Macrophyte Diversity Research Articles

Influence of the Origin of Water Pollution on the Floristic Diversity of Macrophytes of the Mfoundi Lowlands in the City of Yaounde

Influence of the Origin of Water Pollution on the Floristic Diversity of Macrophytes of the Mfoundi Lowlands in the City of Yaounde

Is there a zonation pattern in aquatic macrophytes communities in the aquatic environments of the Brazilian semiarid?

Communities of aquatic macrophytes are influenced by a series of biotic and abiotic factors that determine which species or life forms will colonize an aquatic environment. Different stretches may harbor a distinct macrophyte diversity within the same drainage basin in response to different local environmental conditions. Thus, we hypothesized a pattern of longitudinal zonation in macrophytes communities in the aquatic environments of the Brazilian semiarid. The study was carried out in the Apodi/Mossoro Hydrographic Basin, in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte State in northeastern Brazil. Four sampling campaigns were carried out in quarterly intervals along 23 sampling sites distributed from the headwaters to the estuarine region. In each sampling station, the presence of macrophytes was recorded and water variables were measured; in addition, water samples were also collected for analyses and plant material was collected for identification. The macrophytes community as a whole did not show a well-established gradient, although some life forms could be related to specific patterns. Some species, such as Ceratophyllum submersum L., were restricted to environmental conditions of low nutrient levels and high water transparency, while others, such as Ipomoea fistulosa Choisy, were widely distributed. The zonation pattern of aquatic macrophytes was determined by different characteristics of the environment, which ranged from nutrient-rich waters to stretches with high salinity, evidencing the adaptations of each ecological group.

Diversity and distribution of vascular macrophytes in Ansupa Lake, Odisha, India

Panda M, Samal RN, Bhatta KS, Lenka S, Rout J, Patra HK, Nanda S. 2018. Diversity and distribution of vascular macrophytes in Ansupa Lake, Odisha, India. Bonorowo Wetlands 1: 1-12. Macrophytes are indispensable component of any wetlands. They are the base of the trophic structure and variously affect function of aquatic ecosystem. Large invasion of macrophytes enforced for present studies in Ansupa Lake, the largest freshwater lake of the state Odisha (India) to identify the causative plant species. Regular field inspection, quadratic sampling and specimen collections were carried to identify the present macrophytes of the lake and their quantitative aspects like frequency of occurrences, abundance, values of diversity indices, adaptation and growth forms and species distribution etc. A total of 244 macrophyte species were identified that includes 182 semi-aquatic and 62 obligatory aquatic macrophytes. The latter group had 35% submerged, 15% free floating, 31% rooted floating and 19% marshy plant species. The comparison of growth form showed 64% annuals and remaining 36% perennial plants. The diversity indices resulted, Simpson complement index-0.561, Shannon-Weiner index-1.367, Species richness index 3.079 and Species evenness index-0.156. The study showed that the lake provides suitable habitats for existence of a diverse group of macrophytes but still due to large invasion of few species has threatened the lake which needs to be managed properly to restore the health of this natural resource for the benefit of mankind.

Can rice field channels contribute to biodiversity conservation in Southern Brazilian wetlands?

Conservation of species in agroecosystems has attracted attention. Irrigation channels can improve habitats and offer conditions for freshwater species conservation. Two questions from biodiversity conservation point of view are: 1) Can the irrigated channels maintain a rich diversity of macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and amphibians over the cultivation cycle? 2) Do richness, abundance and composition of aquatic species change over the rice cultivation cycle? For this, a set of four rice field channels was randomly selected in Southern Brazilian wetlands. In each channel, six sample collection events were carried out over the rice cultivation cycle (June 2005 to June 2006). A total of 160 taxa were identified in irrigated channels, including 59 macrophyte species, 91 taxa of macroinvertebrate and 10 amphibian species. The richness and abundance of macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and amphibians did not change significantly over the rice cultivation cycle. However, the species composition of these groups in the irrigation channels varied between uncultivated and cultivated periods. Our results showed that the species diversity found in the irrigation channels, together with the permanence of water enables these man-made aquatic networks to function as important systems that can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in regions where the wetlands were converted into rice fields. The conservation of the species in agriculture, such as rice field channels, may be an important alternative for biodiversity conservation in Southern Brazil, where more than 90% of wetland systems have already been lost and the remaining ones are still at high risk due to the expansion of rice production.

Associations between epiphyton species composition and macrophyte diversity in a shallow tropical reservoir

Associations between epiphyton species composition and macrophyte diversity in a shallow tropical reservoir

Diversity of macroinvertebrates positively correlates with diversity of macrophytes in karst ponds

Relations between diversity of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates in 16 karst ponds on the outskirts of SE Alps (Slovenia) were investigated. Inventory of macrophytes was performed and their cover values were estimated. Macroinvertebrates were sampled with hand net. Correlations between environmental factors and parameters of taxonomic richness and diversity of the communities were calculated. Influences of environmental parameters on the structure of communities were analyzed. Results confirmed significant positive correlations between diversity of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates. The most abundant and most species-rich group of plants were emergent macrophytes. Richness and diversity of macrophytes were more important than their coverage for diversity of macroinvertebrates. A negative direct influence of the cattle to macrophytes as well as to macroinvertebrates was calculated. We can conclude that diversity of macrophytes had a positive influence on diversity of macroinvertebrate community. High diversity of emergent macrophytes supports high diversity of macroinvertebrate communities – directly as higher number of hiding places, oviposition sites or food sources and indirectly with more efficient uptake of excessive nutrients. Despite the negative direct influence of the cattle to macrophytes that we calculated, trampling positively influences macrophytes and indirectly also macroinvertebrates in karst ponds, since it enables the existence of these specific waterbodies in the long run.

Phylogenetically diverse macrophyte community promotes species diversity of mobile epi-benthic invertebrates

Various aspects of plant diversity such as species diversity and phylogenetic diversity enhance the species diversity of associated animals in terrestrial systems. In marine systems, however, the effects of macrophyte diversity on the species diversity of associated animals have received little attention. Here, we sampled in a subtropical seagrass-seaweed mixed bed to elucidate the effect of the macrophyte phylogenetic diversity based on the taxonomic relatedness as well as the macrophyte species diversity on species diversity of mobile epi-benthic invertebrates. Using regression analyses for each macrophyte parameter as well as multiple regression analyses, we found that the macrophyte phylogenetic diversity (taxonomic diversity index: Delta) positively influenced the invertebrate species richness and diversity index (H′). Although the macrophyte species richness and H′ also positively influenced the invertebrate species richness, the best fit model for invertebrate species richness did not include them, suggesting that the macrophyte species diversity indirectly influenced invertebrate species diversity. Possible explanations of the effects of macrophyte Delta on the invertebrate species diversity were the niche complementarity effect and the selection effect. This is the first study which demonstrates that macrophyte phylogenetic diversity has a strong effect on the species diversity of mobile epi-benthic invertebrates.

Should we plant macrophytes? Restored habitat use by the fish community of Lake Apopka, Florida

ABSTRACTSlagle ZJ, Allen MS. 2018. Should we plant macrophytes? Restored habitat use by the fish community of Lake Apopka, Florida. Lake Reserv Manage. 00:00–00.Freshwater resources are impaired worldwide, and managers frequently use habitat restoration to mitigate anthropogenic disturbances to freshwater systems. Restoration attempts have not often been evaluated with respect to their benefits to the sportfish population, especially in lentic systems. Recent restoration techniques at Lake Apopka, Florida, have included planting of macrophytes, particularly spatterdock (Nuphar advena), to increase fish habitat, stabilize sediments, and sequester nutrients. We assessed fish community habitat use of recently restored habitat with comparison to both unrestored (non-vegetated) and natural vegetated littoral habitats. We compared relative abundance and species richness of the fish community across habitat treatments. We electrofished >30 transects in each of these 3 habitat treatments (i.e., natural, planted, and unrestored), collecting relative abundance data for all fishes and habitat data including vegetation species and percent area coverage (PAC). Natural and planted habitat held greater PAC of vegetation than unrestored sites. Natural habitat supported the greatest relative abundance (as indexed by catch per unit effort) and the greatest species richness of fishes, while planted habitats and unrestored habitats supported fewer relative numbers and lower richness. Planted habitats are being utilized by the fish community, but were not significantly different from unrestored sites. Increased diversity of macrophytes in planted habitats could increase the benefits for these populations. Managers should consider continued monitoring and evaluation of planted sites to increase our understanding of the benefits of habitat restoration.

Response of Submerged Macrophyte Communities to External and Internal Restoration Measures in North Temperate Shallow Lakes.

Submerged macrophytes play a key role in north temperate shallow lakes by stabilizing clear-water conditions. Eutrophication has resulted in macrophyte loss and shifts to turbid conditions in many lakes. Considerable efforts have been devoted to shallow lake restoration in many countries, but long-term success depends on a stable recovery of submerged macrophytes. However, recovery patterns vary widely and remain to be fully understood. We hypothesize that reduced external nutrient loading leads to an intermediate recovery state with clear spring and turbid summer conditions similar to the pattern described for eutrophication. In contrast, lake internal restoration measures can result in transient clear-water conditions both in spring and summer and reversals to turbid conditions. Furthermore, we hypothesize that these contrasting restoration measures result in different macrophyte species composition, with added implications for seasonal dynamics due to differences in plant traits. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed data on water quality and submerged macrophytes from 49 north temperate shallow lakes that were in a turbid state and subjected to restoration measures. To study the dynamics of macrophytes during nutrient load reduction, we adapted the ecosystem model PCLake. Our survey and model simulations revealed the existence of an intermediate recovery state upon reduced external nutrient loading, characterized by spring clear-water phases and turbid summers, whereas internal lake restoration measures often resulted in clear-water conditions in spring and summer with returns to turbid conditions after some years. External and internal lake restoration measures resulted in different macrophyte communities. The intermediate recovery state following reduced nutrient loading is characterized by a few macrophyte species (mainly pondweeds) that can resist wave action allowing survival in shallow areas, germinate early in spring, have energy-rich vegetative propagules facilitating rapid initial growth and that can complete their life cycle by early summer. Later in the growing season these plants are, according to our simulations, outcompeted by periphyton, leading to late-summer phytoplankton blooms. Internal lake restoration measures often coincide with a rapid but transient colonization by hornworts, waterweeds or charophytes. Stable clear-water conditions and a diverse macrophyte flora only occurred decades after external nutrient load reduction or when measures were combined.

Untangling climate and water chemistry to predict changes in freshwater macrophyte distributions.

Forecasting changes in the distributions of macrophytes is essential to understanding how aquatic ecosystems will respond to climate and environmental changes. Previous work in aquatic ecosystems has used climate data at large scales and chemistry data at small scales; the consequence of using these different data types has not been evaluated. This study combines a survey of macrophyte diversity and water chemistry measurements at a large regional scale to demonstrate the feasibility and necessity of including ecological measurements, in addition to climate data, in species distribution models of aquatic macrophytes. A survey of 740 water bodies stratified across 327,000 square kilometers was conducted to document Characeae (green macroalgae) species occurrence and water chemistry data. Chemistry variables and climate data were used separately and in concert to develop species distribution models for ten species across the study area. The impacts of future environmental changes on species distributions were modeled using a range of global climate models (GCMs), representative concentration pathways (RCPs), and pollution scenarios. Models developed with chemistry variables generally gave the most accurate predictions of species distributions when compared with those using climate variables. Calcium and conductivity had the highest total relative contribution to models across all species. Habitat changes were most pronounced in scenarios with increased road salt and deicer influences, with two species predicted to increase in range by >50% and four species predicted to decrease in range by >50%. Species of Characeae have distinct habitat ranges that closely follow spatial patterns of water chemistry. Species distribution models built with climate data alone were insufficient to predict changes in distributions in the study area. The development and implementation of standardized, large‐scale water chemistry databases will aid predictions of habitat changes for aquatic ecosystems.

Factors affecting the metacommunity structure of periphytic ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda): a deconstruction approach based on biological traits

Metacommunity studies using the deconstruction approach based on biological traits have received a great deal of attention in recent years as they often better describe characteristics of the species that reflect adaptations to a specific environment. This approach has not yet been used for ostracods, which are nevertheless highly diverse crustaceans and abundant in continental aquatic environments. Here, we investigate the influence of environmental and spatial factors on the metacommunity structure of periphytic ostracods in 27 tropical floodplain lakes in the Upper Parana River floodplain (Brazil). An analysis of variance partitioning was used to estimate the relative importance of these factors (environmental and spatial) on both the entire community as well as after its deconstruction according to the biological traits (size and locomotion mode). Ostracods, regardless of body size, are good dispersers at regional scales. In addition, as expected, swimming ostracods were better dispersers at local scales than non-swimmers, which were influenced mainly by the diversity of aquatic macrophytes. Environmental factors (species sorting mechanism) seem important in structuring the entire ostracods metacommunity, as well as for most categories of biological traits. The unexplained variability remained high showing that other variables, not measured here, must be important. The analysis based on deconstruction, when compared to the analysis based on the metacommunity as a whole, contributed to a better assessment of ostracod metacommunity structuring.

Comparative Macrophyte Diversity of Waterbodies in the Central European landscape

Freshwaters are currently one of the most threatened habitats and many studies have focused on their plant species diversity. However, information regarding the contribution of various waterbody types to macrophyte diversity is either lacking or focused on Western Europe. Thus, we decided to study the species diversity of four waterbody types (rivers, streams, canals and ponds) in a model area located in two distinct bioregions (the Western Carpathian and the Pannonian) in Central Europe. We sampled altogether 100 localities (25 per waterbody type) situated along a 400 km-long watercourse of the Vah river. Local (alpha), among-site (beta) and regional (gamma) diversity were analysed. The results showed that the highest species number at local and regional level was found in ponds and canals. Streams are habitats with the lowest local and regional diversity, and the lowest number of red-list and unique species. However, none of the used diversity measures showed statistically significant difference among habitat types. Thus, we can state that all waterbody types contribute to macrophyte diversity to a comparable degree at the broad-scale level in the Central European landscape.

Study of Aquatic Macrophyte Diversity of Pulgaon River Distinct Wardha (Maharashtra) India

Study of Aquatic Macrophyte Diversity of Pulgaon River Distinct Wardha (Maharashtra) India

Macrophytobenthos of artificial ponds in the parks of Odessa city

Complex eco-floristic investigation of water vegetation of the artificial ponds in the park zones of Odessa city has not been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this work was determination of species diversity of macrophytes, their systematic structure and indicator role in four ponds in the park of the city. In sum, 21 species of macrophytes were identified, among them 15 species of macrophyte algae and 6 species of vascular water plants. The main part of the revealed species of macrophyte algae belongs to Chlorophyta (8) and Charophyta (4). Cyanoprocaryota were presented by 2 species, and Ochrophyta (Xanthophyceae) were presented by 1 species. 6 widely distributed species were revealed among higher water plants. Composition and distribution of macrophytes in the investigated ponds were influenced primarily by the level of water mineralization, eutrophication and heavy metals contamination. Elevated concentration of organic Carbon was registered in the ponds where waterfowl birds were presented together with water plants. The biggest floristic diversity of macrophytes is registered in the upper pond of the Dyukovsky Park (17 species). It is one of the largest artificial ponds of the city. The characteristic feature of the pond’s vegetation is the presence of an extensive field of Charophyta with a monodominant Chara vulgaris. The presence of the Charophyta is the evidence of the relative ecologic well-being of the investigated pond. Charophyta, as well as the other algae, are obviously the main providers of organic Carbon in the pond (Corg.=1.38%). By the quantity of macrophytes species (10) the lower pond of the Dyukovsky Park is on the second place. The content of organic Carbon is the highest in this pond (Corg.=4.48%). Except for the water vegetation, a considerable contribution in this parameter is obviously made by the decorative ducks which are kept in the fenced off with a net part of the pond by the bank restaurant. The minimum number of species of algae and higher water plants is registered in the Savitsky Park (5) and the Victory Park (6). In the Savitsky Park the excessive biogenic substances cause massive development of meso-eutrophic species of macrophytes – Lemna minor which covers almost the entire surface of the pond and creates adverse light regime for the development of algae. In the water column only sparse specimens of green algae Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brebisson and Desmidium sp. were registered. Among the bank of the pond intermitted thicket of Typha angustifolia and Persicaria hydropiper is located. Macrophytes are the primary producers of organic substances here (Corg.=1.94%). Indicator species of algae and higher water plants in the investigated ponds were presented mostly by β-mesosaprobic group. It is the evidence of the medium level of their organic contamination.

Relationships of macrophyte species richness and environment in different water body types in the Central European region

Individual types of waterbodies are characterised by their specific environmental conditions controlling growth of aquatic macrophytes. We focused on effects of environmental factors on macrophyte species richness in canals, ponds, rivers and streams within Central European region. We employed generalised linear models (GLM) to assess separately overall macrophyte species data and data on wetland species (true aquatic plants and helophytes). No significant difference was revealed by comparing species richness among water body types, though canals were the richest water bodies and streams supported the lowest diversity of macrophytes. The models for all the waterbodies, except streams, contained at least two variables and the explained variability ranged from 37% to 77%. The most recurring variables were the coverage of fine substrate, turbidity, shading by bank and shore trees and shrubs, and altitude. Nevertheless, no obvious pattern of factors was observed for particular water body types. Our study confirmed that aquatic macrophyte species richness is shaped by a complexity of factors and necessity of targeting survey and further generalisation of results not only on one specific water body.

The Impact of Mine Effluents on the Water Quality and Macrophyte Plant Communities in the Kifubwa Stream, Solwezi, Zambia

A study to assess the impact of mine effluents on water quality and macrophyte plant communities in the Kifubwa stream in Solwezi, Zambia was carried out in December 2015. The macrophytes species and water samples were collected from ten (10) selected sampling sites along the river. The initial sampling site was set at the point of pollution (effluents) entrance into the river. The other 9 sampling units of 30 m × 30 m were spaced at a uniform interval of 150 m throughout the 1.5 km section of the river sampled. Macrophytes collected at each sampling site were identified on site to family level using the Zambian Macrophytes Trophic Ranking (ZMTR) protocol developed under the Southern African River Assessment (SAFRASS). The abundance of macrophyte plant communities showed that family Polygonaceae had (27.5%), Cyperaceae, (23.5%), Amaranthaceae (17.6%), Hydrocharitaceae (17.6%) and Osmundaceae (13.8%) respectively. The Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index (H) was used to calculate the macrophyte diversity and the value used in a correlation analysis with potential of hydrogen (pH) and other water quality variable under investigation. The water samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis of water variables, namely, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrates, phosphates, copper and zinc levels for each site. The pH was significantly (p 0.05) related to H and zinc. Calculated means for pH and TDS showed that they were within both the Zambian Drinking Water Standards (ZDWS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Phosphates, nitrates and zinc were all below both water standards. Only copper levels were above both water standards. The mine effluent that is being discharged in the Kifubwa stream does have an impact on the water quality parameters, especially that of copper. This requires regular monitoring of the stream effluents by the authorities that give the permission for the discharge.

Artificial ponds in Central Europe do not fall behind the natural ponds in terms of macrophyte diversity

We studied macrophyte composition and 24 environmental variables in 69 ponds of both natural and artificial origin in Slovakia. We tested differences in α and γ diversity and β similarity between natural and artificial ponds for helophytes, hydrophytes, red list species and all species. We also assessed effects of environmental variables on species richness of studied ponds by generalised linear models (GLM). For local diversity, the significant difference was obtained only in case of helophytes. Beta similarity significantly differed for all the species groups. Total species numbers (gamma diversity) of all the groups were higher in natural ponds with the exception of hydrophytes. A randomization test of γ diversity yielded significant differences for helophytes and all species groups; richness and diversity of hydrophytes and red list species were not significantly different. Thus, we can conclude that even though natural ponds have a significantly higher regional diversity, local diversity is comparable not only for common species but also endangered red-listed macrophytes and thus artificial ponds could serve as proper secondary habitats for macrophytes. GLM showed different effect of environmental predictors on richness of studied species and pond groups and a slightly higher explained variability in natural (40%) compared to artificial (37%) ponds.

The diversity and distribution of freshwater macrophytes in the wedian of the mountainous northern Oman

The paper reports the first study of diversity and distribution of freshwater macrophytes in the wedian (plural of wadi = seasonal river) of the northern Al Hajar Mountain range in Oman. Fifteen lentic habitats in the wedian were surveyed. The number of species, their growth forms and abundance were recorded in the studied habitat of each wadi. In all, 41 species belonging to 14 families and 32 genera were collected. Of these 37 species were emergent and four were submergent. Poaceae was the most diverse emergent family with 17 species. Phragmites australis was the most common emergent followed by Typha domingensis. Among submerged macrophytes, Chara vulgaris had higher frequency of occurrence with low abundance followed by Potamogeton distinctus with relatively high abundance. Floristic diversity was estimated using species richness (Margalef’s D), general diversity (Shannon–Wiener H′), evenness (Pielous’s EH), and dominance (Berger–Parker d) indices for each study habitat. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the variability using four indices. PC1 and PC2 explained 98.18% of the variability. Some habitats in different watersheds exhibited similar species diversity, but some in the same watershed were different. Baseline data on the freshwater macrophytes in northern Oman are provided here.

Scale-dependent changes in the functional diversity of macrophytes in subtropical freshwater lakes in south China

Ecological processes are generally scale-dependent and there is little consensus about the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic processes in driving patterns of biological diversity. We investigated how the relationship between functional dispersion and environmental gradients changes with spatial scale in subtropical freshwater lakes. The functional alpha and beta dispersions of all the tested traits were significantly under-dispersed across spatial scales and along environmental gradients. Results showed more functional similarity within communities in leaf dry mass content and flowering duration but less functional turnover among communities in all the tested traits at regional scales (Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and the middle and low reaches of the Yangtze River). The strengths and directions of environmental effects on the functional alpha and beta dispersions depended on the selected traits, diversity metrics and spatial scales. Surprisingly, broad-scale factors - elevation and water transparency - decreased the functional turnover for most traits along the gradients, whereas fine-scale factors - water depth - produced the opposite patterns along the gradient, depending on the trait selected. Our study highlights the dominant role of deterministic assembly processes in structuring the local functional composition and governing the spatial functional turnover of macrophyte communities across multiple spatial scales.

Correlates of fish and aquatic macrophyte beta diversity in the Upper Paraná River floodplain

We investigated correlates of long-term temporal variation in the beta diversity of macrophytes, sedentary fish, and migratory fish communities in the Upper Parana River floodplain. Two metrics of among-site variation in community composition were calculated in up to 45 sampling periods over 12 years for each biological group. We then tested the following beta diversity correlates: richness and proportion of non-native species, ecosystem productivity proxies, environmental heterogeneity, and hydrological regime proxies. Despite the uncertainty regarding the best model, we found that environmental heterogeneity was the most consistent predictor of beta diversity variation. Non-native species (richness or proportional abundance), productivity, and hydrology were not consistently correlated with beta diversity. However, models results suggest that the likely intensification of threats caused by oligotrophication, non-native species spread, and damming may trigger the effects of these predictors. Thus, we suggest that continuation of the long-term ecological study in the Upper Parana River floodplain is key to our better understanding of the role of these processes in beta diversity variation.