Myriophyllum Spicatum Research Articles

Current distribution, trends, abiotic and biotic preferences of two Elodea species in Bulgaria

Two invasive aquatic macrophyte species from the genus Elodea and their distribution in Bulgaria were studied. The research was based on 653 field surveys from the period 2009-2022. Elodea records constitute to only 6% of the database. Between the two species studied, E. nuttallii exhibited a wider distribution both in rivers and lakes (natural and artificial). Several instances of invaders? dominance were observed, with E. nuttallii showing dominance patterns mainly in lakes, and E. canadensis in rivers. Both species were distributed in aquatic habitats with a wide variation in abiotic characteristics, except for the dominant substrate. E. nuttallii showed a more significant altitudinal range reaching above 1500 m. Such altitudinal variations resulted in diverse ecological habitats in terms of abiotic factors such as temperature and light intensity. The studied aquatic macrophyte communities demonstrated average species richness. Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum were the most commonly recorded representatives of the native aquatic flora. Canadian waterweed demonstrated the ability to form dense communities in rivers, while Nuttall?s waterweed retained average values of abundance. A case of natural disappearance within the Elodea species has been documented. The systematised information covering a 13-year period could serve to identify strategic areas for monitoring aquatic IAS and their management.

Laboratory measurements underestimate persistence of the aquatic herbicide fluridone in lakes.

Fluridone is an aquatic herbicide commonly used to treat invasive freshwater plant species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, and curly-leaf pondweed. However, required exposures times are very long and often exceed 100 days. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that determine the fate of fluridone in lakes is critical for supporting effective herbicide treatments and minimizing impacts to non-target species. We use a combination of laboratory and field studies to quantify fluridone photodegradation, as well as sorption and microbial degradation in water and sediment microcosms. Laboratory irradiation studies demonstrate that fluridone is susceptible to direct photodegradation with negligible indirect photodegradation, with predicted half-lives in sunlight ranging from 2.3 days (1 cm path length) to 118 days (integrated over 1 meter). Biodegradation is attributable to microbes in sediment with an observed half-life of 57 days. Lastly, fluridone sorbs to sediments (Koc = 340 ± 28 L kg-1); sorption accounts for 16% of fluridone loss in the microcosm experiments. While the laboratory results indicate that all three loss pathways can influence fluridone fate, these controlled studies oversimplify herbicide behavior due to their inability to replicate field conditions. Fluridone concentration measurements in a lake following commercial application demonstrate a half-life of >150 days, indicating that the herbicide is very persistent in water. This study illustrates why caution should be used when relying on laboratory studies to predict the fate of pesticides and other polar organic compounds in the environment.

Effects on local oxygen conditions by the invasive macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum

Myriophyllum spicatum, Eurasian watermilfoil, is a submerged aquatic plant invasive to North America. Several characteristics found in M. spicatum provide reasoning behind its invasion success such as its ability to spread and grow rapidly as well as displace other surrounding native species. However, Eurasian watermilfoil’s effects on ecosystem functioning (such as dissolved oxygen) and how such functioning differ from effects of native vegetation have seldom been studied. Using data collected in field, we used statistical models including Gaussian multivariate linear effect models and structural equation modelling (SEM), to investigate the effect of vegetation type and cover on dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature gradients. Here, we show that invasive Eurasian watermilfoil colonies, relative to native submerged vegetation, can have a direct effect on DO gradients. These changes in DO conditions were driven by both an increase in surface oxygen concentrations and a decrease in bottom layer oxygen concentration in dense M. spicatum vegetation. Furthermore, we find that the differences in DO gradients could be predicted from M. spicatum’s direct impact on oxygen concentration and not indirectly via its effects on water temperature. Our results demonstrate that dense colonies of M. spicatum can directly affect DO concentrations and may do so more than native macrophytes which could explain its rapid spread and potential impacts on ecosystem functioning.

Dosage impact of submerged plants extracts on Microcystis aeruginosa growth: From hormesis to inhibition

Allelopathy has been demonstrated to be an environmentally friendly way to control harmful algal blooms. Allelochemicals of submerged plants have attracted extensive research due to their bioavailability. The dose-response of submerged plant extracts on algae growth is worth further study to improve the efficiency of bioremediation. In this study, the ultrasonic-enzymatic assistance method was utilized to extract allelochemicals from Ceratophyllum, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Vallisneria. The effects of low-dosage and high-dosage extracts on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa were compared based on cell biomass and morphology, photosynthetic parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The results showed that the three submerged plant extracts exhibited hormetic effects at low dosages and inhibitory effects at high dosages on algal growth. Within 48 h of cultivation, the enzymatic activities of Microcystis aeruginosa fluctuated, suggesting that the extracts of the three submerged plants induced different oxidative reactions. After 120 h of cultivation with high-dosage extracts, the physiological and biochemical reactions of Microcystis aeruginosa significantly decreased, indicating the effectiveness of the allelopathy of Ceratophyllum, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Vallisneria extracts in controlling algal blooms. The phenomenon of hormesis and inhibition effect confirmed a significant dose-response relationship between the allelochemicals of submerged plant extracts and Microcystis aeruginosa, which could be attributed to the composition and content of allelochemicals. These findings highlight the importance of the relative concentration of the biological algaecide and will benefit other researchers in determining the safe dosage of plant allelochemicals when used in water.

Transcriptome Analysis of Macrophytes' Myriophyllum spicatum Response to Ammonium Nitrogen Stress Using the Whole Plant Individual.

Ammonium toxicity in macrophytes reduces growth and development due to a disrupted metabolism and high carbon requirements for internal ammonium detoxification. To provide more molecular support for ammonium detoxification in the above-ground and below-ground parts of Myriophyllum spicatum, we separated (using hermetic bags) the aqueous medium surrounding the below-ground from that surrounding the above-ground and explored the genes in these two regions. The results showed an upregulation of asparagine synthetase genes under high ammonium concentrations. Furthermore, the transcriptional down and/or upregulation of other genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, including glutamate dehydrogenase, ammonium transporter, and aspartate aminotransferase in above-ground and below-ground parts were crucial for ammonium homeostasis under high ammonium concentrations. The results suggest that, apart from the primary pathway and alternative pathway, the asparagine metabolic pathway plays a crucial role in ammonium detoxification in macrophytes. Therefore, the complex genetic regulatory network in M. spicatum contributes to its ammonium tolerance, and the above-ground part is the most important in ammonium detoxification. Nevertheless, there is a need to incorporate an open-field experimental setup for a conclusive picture of nitrogen dynamics, toxicity, and the molecular response of M. spicatum in the natural environment.

Applying a neural network machine learning model to predict seasonal allelopathic inhibitory effects of Myriophyllum spicatum on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa

Applying a neural network machine learning model to predict seasonal allelopathic inhibitory effects of Myriophyllum spicatum on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa

Response strategies of stem/leaves endophyte communities to nano-plastics regulate growth performance of submerged macrophytes

Research on the toxicity effects of nano-plastics on submerged macrophytes has been increasing over the past several years. However, how the endophytic bacteria of submerged macrophytes respond to nano-plastics remains unknown, although they have been widely shown to help terrestrial plants cope with various environmental stressors. Here, a microcosm experiment was performed to unravel the effects of high concentration of nano-plastics (20 mg/L) on three submerged macrophyte (Vallisneria natans, Potamogeton maackianus, Myriophyllum spicatum) and their endophytic bacterial communities. Results indicated that nano-plastics induced antioxidative stress in plants, but significantly reduction in relative growth rate (RGR) only occurred in V. natans (from 0.0034 to −0.0029 day-1), accompanied by change in the stem/leaves endophyte community composition. Further analysis suggested nano-plastics caused a reduction in environmental nutrient availability and the proportion of positive interactions between endophyte communities (43%), resulting in the lowest RGR of V. natans. In contrast, endophytes may help P. maackianus and M. spicatum cope with nano-plastic stress by increasing the proportion of positive correlations among communities (70% and 75%), leaving their RGR unaffected. Collectively, our study elucidates the species-specific response strategies of submerged macrophyte-endophyte to nano-plastics, which helps to reveal the different phytoremediation potential of submerged macrophytes against nano-plastic pollution.

Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) with Biogenically Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using an Extract of the Myriophyllum spicatum Plant

The biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles was explored using the Myriophyllum spicatum plant through a process involving co-precipitation and was utilized as an effective photocatalyst for the reduction of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions in an aqueous solution. The plant-mediated CuO nanoparticles were characterized using microscopic techniques (TEM and SEM), FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The amount of the reduced metal ions was determined by UV–visible and Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrophotometers. The analyses of the functional group present in the leaf extract revealed the type of bioactive molecules that were involved in the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were used in the photo-enhanced reduction of hexavalent Cr and divalent Pb ions, and the impact of solution pH, initial metal concentrations, and photocatalyst dosage was investigated to establish the optimal performance of the CuO nanoparticles. Results revealed a direct association between the reduction of metal ions and catalyst dosage in both cases. A maximum percentage reduction of 89.2% and 79.1% was achieved for Cr(VI) and Pb(II), respectively, using 3 g of the CuO nanoparticles. This confirms that the CuO nanoparticles exhibited higher efficiency for Cr(VI) reduction as compared to Pb(II) reduction and indicates that CuO nanoparticles are a promising photocatalyst that is capable of reducing these metal ions into less toxic products.

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Aquatic Macrophytes and Plankton, Water-Sediment in Lake Iznik

This study aims to investigate heavy metal accumulation in water-sediment, plankton, and macrophyte samples of Lake Iznik, one of the important lakes of Turkey. In 2016, water-sediment and plankton samples were taken from 19 and 10 stations respectively. In addition, heavy metal analyzes were performed on samples taken from Potamogeton pectinatus, Najas marina, Myriophyllum spicatum, Typha latifolia, Schoenoplectus litoralis, Phragmites australis, which are the most abundant macrophytes in the lake. The data of water and sediment samples were spatially analyzed in GIS and mapped with ArcGIS. In the water samples of Lake Iznik, arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and in sediment samples, arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) were detected at remarkable levels. The results revealed that Iznik Lake was under pressure in terms of heavy metals and their effects should be reduced.

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.

Efficient and rapid control of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) by combining benthic mats and hand pulling

AbstractEurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) is an aquatic vascular plant that forms extensive dense beds in lakes. This invader competes with native plants, interferes with aquatic activities, and decreases riparian property values. In Canada, the use of aquatic herbicides is highly restricted. Environmental managers must therefore rely on physical methods such as hand pulling or benthic matting for control. Although these methods are not new, there has been little scientific investigation regarding their effectiveness and cost over multiple years. Benthic matting and hand pulling were used in Lac des Abénaquis (area: 1.2 km2) to control 3.6 ha of M. spicatum beds. Initiated by citizens in 2016, control procedures were scientifically studied in 2020 and 2021. Benthic fiberglass mats were deployed on dense M. spicatum patches for 10 wk. Isolated plants and patches <100 m2 were hand pulled by divers, and the harvested material surfaced via a suction hose or in hand-filled bags. By August 2021, all the M. spicatum patches had been eliminated, and only 560 widely scattered plants remained. Over the last 2 yr of control, hand pulling required 243 person-hours and removed 2,245 kg of biomass. The biomass brought to the surface was 2.4 times higher per person-hour with the suction system than with bags. The use of 1,000 m2 of benthic mats required 47 to 51 person-hours per summer season, including installation, removal, and maintenance. Intensive management (years 1 to 5) using benthic mats and hand pulling cost an estimated Can$185,000 (US$140,000) ha−1 of M. spicatum bed. Hand pulling of scattered individuals (years 6+), estimated at Can$20,000 (US$15,000) per summer, is essential to avoid reinfestation. An invasion of M. spicatum can successfully be managed in small lakes without herbicides, but control remains a costly and long-term endeavor.

Shifting enzyme activity and microbial composition in sediment coregulate the structure of an aquatic plant community under polyethylene microplastic exposure

It has been shown that microplastics (MPs) interfere with critical biological processes (including development, growth and fitness); however, there is no information about the impact of MPs on plant productivity and community structure in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of two sizes (MIC: 20–300 μm, MAC: 2–3 mm) and three concentrations (0.03 %, 0.3 %, and 0.6 %) of low-density polyethylene MPs on submerged plant communities. The results showed that plant responses to MPs were species specific, which can affect plant community structure. For canopy-forming species (Hydrilla verticillata), total biomass increased by 4 %–46 % and relative abundance increased by 23 %–34 % under MP exposure, while rosette-forming species (Vallisneria natans) decreased by 44 %–67 % in total biomass and relative abundance decreased by 54 %–71 %. Myriophyllum spicatum growth was largely unaffected by MPs. Community diversity was negatively correlated with MAC treatments, and the community root to shoot ratio decreased by 40 %, while community productivity increased by 41 % at a 0.6 % MAC concentration. Although MPs did not change the microbial community composition, alpha diversity was reduced at the 0.6 % concentration. It is worth noting that 0.6 % is a higher concentration than most field sediment investigations. During the experiment, the activity of functional enzymes related to carbon and nitrogen increased under most MP treatments. Structural equation modelling showed that MIC changed the community structure mainly by driving sediment enzyme activity, while MAC changed the community structure mainly by driving plant growth. The results implied that MPs may affect sediment enzymatic activities, microbial alpha diversity and aquatic plant growth, potentially altering the diversity and stability of aquatic ecosystems.

Competitive advantages of Najas marina L. in a process of littoral colonization in the lake Velenjsko jezero (Slovenija)

Najas marina is the dominant macrophyte species in Velenjsko jezero. It appeared in the lake in 1997 and soon prevailed over the species Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton crispus L., which used to be the two most abundant species in the lake in the past. The physicochemical and geomorphological characteristics of the lake are discussed in relation to the attributes of Najas marina, presenting competitive advantages in this environment. Conditions in the lake such as warm water and unstable sediment enabled successful growth and life strategy of Najas marina, which is a summer-annual plant with short life cycle, quick propagation from seeds and a very extensive root system.

Implications of Macrophyte Distribution Patterns in the Curonian Lagoon for Monitoring of Submerged Vegetation in Transitional Water Bodies

For the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, numerous indicators based on macrophytes have been developed in coastal and shelf zones. However, transitional water bodies (e.g., estuaries, lagoons) have multiple overlaying strong environmental gradients that limit the assessment of the relationships between macrophyte ecological patterns and anthropogenic pressures. The aim of this study was to assess the abundance and distribution of macrophytes in the Curonian Lagoon and to analyze the spatial patterns of macrophyte species considering their morphofunctional properties (i.e., community surface index, which is the sum of the ratios between the specific surface of thallus structure elements and biomass of each macrophyte species in a sampling site) in relation to environmental factors, such as Secchi depth, salinity, wave exposure and area of wetlands. In the estuarine part of the Curonian Lagoon, the sampling of macrophytes was carried out in 2014–2015. Data on hydro-physical parameters were obtained from the water monitoring and hydrological model, while the CORINE data were used for the delineation of wetlands. The species diversity in the studied part of the Curonian Lagoon consisted 12 species (7 of them belong to phylum Chlorophyta and 5 to Magnoliophyta). From dominant algae, Chara contraria and Chara aspera mainly occurred along the northeastern part of the study area, whereas Cladophora glomerata mainly grew as epiphyte along the eastern shore of the lagoon. From dominant angiosperms, Potamogeton perfoliatus and Stuckenia pectinata occurred in the whole study area, while Myriophyllum spicatum rarely formed dense stands and usually was within the stands of charophytes or pondweeds. The salinity was the most important environmental factor, where the relative coverage of Zannichellia palustris, Potamogeton rutilus and all algae species, except Nitellopsis obtusa, correlated with salinity. The Secchi depth was of less importance and correlated with the relative coverage of N. obtusa, while a negative correlation was determined for S. pectinata. The mean community surface index depended on the depth gradient where it was significantly higher at ≤ 1.0 m depth than at 1.1–2.0 m depth. The community surface index significantly negatively correlated (the Spearman rS = −0.65) with the area of wetlands, which surrounded the eastern shore of the study area. Therefore, the tested morphofunctional index has a potential to define the ecological status considering macrophyte communities in the transitional water bodies.

The Effect of Environmental Variables on the Distribution of some Submerged Aquatic Plants Eastern Al-Hammar and Al-Chebiyesh

This study aims to determine some physical and chemical factors and their impact on the abundance and distribution of some submersible aquatic plants for four selected stations in the southern marshes, two stations in the Eastern Hammar marshes (Al-Burga and Al-Sada) and two stations in the Al-Chebiyesh marshes (Abu-Sobat and Al-Baghdadia). Water and plant samples were collected seasonally during the year 2018. The water temperature, electrical conductivity, water depth were estimated physical variables, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate concentration as well as chemical variables for water samples, as well as estimation of biomass, percentage of vegetation cover, and frequency of submerged plant species. The results showed that the highest water temperature was 34.45 °C in the Abu Sobat station during the summer, while the lowest temperature was recorded at 10.85 °C in the Al-Burga station during the winter. The highest depths of water during the winter in the Al-Sada station and the lowest depths in Al-Baghdadia station during the summer. The lowest value of dissolved oxygen was 4 mg/L in Al-Baghdadia during the summer, while the highest value was 9. The biomass, vegetation cover, and frequency were estimated for four plant species, which are the most present and widespread in the various study stations, which are includedCeratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Najas marina, Potamogeton perfoliatus. The percentage of similarity between the different study stations was also calculated.

Моніторингові обстеження флори ділянки русла річки Турія в м. Ковель по вулиці Сагайдачного

In 2021, the project of reconstruction of the Turia riverbed in the area of Sahaidachnoy Street in the city of Kovel, Volyn Region, in the area of the bridge crossing, was launched. In order to timely identify, prevent and eliminate the negative consequences of the impact of planned activities on the phytodiversity of the Turia River, post-project monitoring was carried out every quarter, which allowed to objectively assess the impact of the performed works on the plant cover. Studies have shown the recovery of typical aquatic and coastal aquatic vegetation in the area of activity. Among aquatic plants Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potamogeton crispus L., Lemna minor L. Species Salvinia natans(L.) All are typical. recovered on the territory of the planned activity in shallow backwaters near the banks of the river with a projective coverage of 20-40%. Above and below the research site, the species shows high phytocenotic activity with a projective cover of 40-100%. Of the coastal water plants, typical are Butomus umbellatus L., Lycopus europaeus L., Glyceria maxima (C.Hartm.) Holmb, Lythrum salicaria L., Typha latifolia L., Rumexhydrolapathum Huds., Ranunculus sceleratus L., Myosotis scorpioides L, Mentha aquatica L., Bidens frondosa L., Iris pseudacorus L. The groups of Salvinieta natantis formation, Salvinietum natantis purum and Salvinietum (natantis) lemnosum (minoris) associations included in the Green Book of Ukraine were revealed; Nuphareta luteae formation group Nupharetum (luteae) salviniosum (natantis) association. The work carried out on the improvement of the banks of the Turia River had a positive effect on the spread of weeds, a lawn was created, and highly decorative cultivars of maple and willow were planted as solitaires.
 The study of the territory of the Turia River above and below the planned activity proved the dominance of ruderal biotopes of perennial grasses with the dominance of anthropophytes, among which there are species with high phytocenotic activity. Their presence may have threatening consequences for the existence of the already reconstructed part of the Turia River bed. Among them, species dangerous to human health: Heracleum sosnowski Manden. and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Novel effects on local oxygen conditions by the invasive macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum.

Novel effects on local oxygen conditions by the invasive macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum.

Macrophyte communities as bioindicator of stormwater pollution in rivers: a quantitative analysis.

Macrophytes are one of the important indicators used in assessing the anthropic impact on aquatic ecosystems. The structure of macrophyte communities of two rivers were compared by species composition, dominant species and projective cover using statistical methods. It is shown that the influence of storm runoff on these rivers is manifested in the form of a change in the dominant species composition. Based on the statistical analysis carried out, it can be argued that, despite the peculiarities of the flora composition of each of the rivers, the influence of storm runoffs largely neutralizes this specificity, determining the situation in local areas immediately below the runoff. In the area of the effluent discharge the dominance of individual species and an increase in the area overgrown with macrophytes was observed. In the area of stormwater discharge on the Psel River, species were usually present: Nuphar lutea, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum and on the Bystrica River-Glyceria maxima, Sagitaria sagittiformis, Stuckenia pectinata and Potamogeton crispus. The use of the NMDS method has been found to provide good insight into the structural rearrangements in macrophyte communities affected by runoff from stormwater systems.

How Eutrophication Promotes Exotic Aquatic Plant Invasion in the Lake Littoral Zone?

Eutrophication and exotic species invasion are key drivers of the global loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in lakes. We selected two exotic plants (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Myriophyllum aquaticum) and two native plants (Myriophyllum spicatum and Vallisneria spinulosa) to elucidate the effect of eutrophication on exotic plant invasiveness. We found that (1) elevated nutrient favored invasion of exotic species and inhibited growth of native plants. Species combinations and plant densities of native plants had limited effects on the resistance to invasion of the exotics. (2) A. philoxeroides featured the tightest connectivity among traits, which is consistent with its high competitive ability. Although eutrophication caused physiological stress to A. philoxeroides, it could effectively regulate enzyme activity and alleviate the stress. (3) M. aquaticum possessed strong tolerance to habitat disturbance and was highly disruptive to the surrounding plants. Eutrophication will exacerbate the adverse effects of M. aquaticum on the littoral ecosystem. (4) Nutrient enrichment reduced the biomass and relative growth rates of V. spinulosa and lowered phenolics and starch contents of M. spicatum, thereby making them more susceptible to habitat fluctuations. Overall, our study highlights how eutrophication alters the invasiveness of exotic plants and the resistance of native plants in the littoral zone, which is of relevance in a world with intensified human activities.

Selenium Removal by Sediments and Plants at the Constructed Pariette Wetlands, Utah (USA)

Selenium (Se) contamination of public lands and water is a result of irrigated agriculture and mining activities in areas rich in Se geologic deposits. Pariette Draw is part of the northern Colorado Plateau and is an area of concern for Se contamination in the Pariette Wetlands. Pariette Wetlands, a wetland built in the 1970s to provide wildlife habitat, is distinguished by its arid climate and a short growing season of hot dry summers followed by cold winters with several months below freezing. An understanding of how Se is mobilized and removed within the wetland will provide management strategies that minimize and mitigate Se contamination and promote sustainable ecosystem services. The data collected in 2012 and 2014 was the first comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis of Se in all environmental compartments (bird eggs, macroinvertebrates, plants, sediments, and water) of an arid wetland ecosystem in the Colorado Plateau. Water, sediment, and plant tissue samples were collected and analyzed to determine Se’s spatial and temporal variation in Pariette Wetlands. Se concentrations in water, sediment, and plants were evenly distributed throughout wetlands. No significant differences were found in plant Se concentrations between samples collected in 2012 (447 ± 44 ug kg−1) or 2014 (541 ± 42 μg kg−1), indicating that plant Se did not vary temporally during sampling. Aquatic plant species (e.g., pondweed (Potamogeton filiformis), 743 ± 66 μg kg−1 and watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), 874 ± 122 μg kg−1) accumulated more Se than plant species growing at the edges of the ponds (e.g., hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), 368 ± 37 μg kg−1 and cattail (Typha), 420 ± 43 μg kg−1). Plant roots (1045 ± 110 μg kg−1) accumulated more Se than aboveground vegetation (flowers, 228 ± 17 μg kg−1 or stems, 224 ± 19 μg kg−1). Relative to Se retained by sediments (75%), plants were not an extensive reservoir of wetland Se (<5%) but still may pose a risk to animals feeding on plant tissue. Thus, phytoremediation of Se does not appear to be a viable tool for Se mitigation in wetlands of arid climates with a short growing season, such as those located in the Colorado Plateau.