Aquatic Macrophyte Species Research Articles

Distribution of aquatic macrophytes in contrasting river systems: A critique of compositional-based assessment of water quality

A brief summary of the historical developments relating to plant distribution and aquatic macrophyte-nutrient indices provided a means of assessing the general context and validity of previous assumptions. This has particular current relevance because of the prominent use of bioindicators for defining nutrient enrichment. A survey of 161 sites distributed across two broadly contrasting groups of rivers (circum-neutral versus alkaline) recorded 110 species of aquatic macrophytes and these have been statistically analyzed to (i) rank and separate the individual effects of local environmental conditions and spatial isolation on species distribution in the two contrasting groups of sites; (ii) calculate a macrophyte index based on plant cover and species indicator values (Mean Trophic Rank, MTR); and finally (iii) investigate the implications for biomonitoring. Chemical, physical and hydrological site attributes together with spatial isolation, each explained a significant and at least partially independent influence over plant species distribution. It was extremely difficult, however, to separate the single effects of different site attributes on plant distribution. While some plant species are more restricted to certain environmental conditions, many appeared indifferent to the range of those being tested. The role played by nutrients (nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) were either mostly indistinguishable from other site attributes (e.g., nitrate from conductivity) or subordinate (e.g., soluble reactive phosphorus, ammonium). It is therefore very unlikely that macrophyte species composition could provide a reliable bioindicator of the surrounding nutrient (N, P) status. The calculation of the plant index illustrated this unreliability by showing that strong correlations existed with many environmental variables, not just inorganic N and P.

Complex interactions among fish, snails and macrophytes: implications for biological control of an invasive snail

The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), a native of freshwater wetlands of South America, has invaded many Asian countries and grazed heavily in agricultural and wild areas. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has been proposed as a biological control agent against this snail, but little is known about its impact on non-target aquatic plants and animals. In a 8-week enclosure experiment, we quantified the impact of common carp on three species of aquatic macrophytes and nine species of snails, including the apple snail, in a shallow pond. The results showed that the apple snail or carp alone significantly reduced the plant biomass, although the apple snail had a stronger overall herbivorous effect than the carp. The carp completely removed juvenile apple snails, but had only a weak predatory effect on larger apple snails and no effect on the adults’ oviposition frequency. Furthermore, the carp significantly reduced the populations of most species of other snails that occurred naturally in the pond. Our results thus indicate that common carp can be an effective biological control agent against the invasive apple snail, but caution should be taken about its potential to reduce wetland floral and faunal diversity.

Oxygen demand during mineralization of aquatic macrophytes from an oxbow lake

This study presents a kinetic model of oxygen consumption during aerobic decomposition of detritus from seven species of aquatic macrophytes: Cabomba furcata, Cyperus giganteus, Egeria najas, Eichhornia azurea, Salvinia auriculata, Oxycaryum cubense and Utricularia breviscapa. The aquatic macrophytes were collected from Oleo Lagoon situated in the Mogi-Guaçu river floodplain (SP, Brazil). Mineralization experiments were performed using the closed bottles method. Incubations made with lake water and macrophytes detritus (500 mL and 200 mg.L(-1) (DM), respectively) were maintained during 45 to 80 days at 20 degrees C under aerobic conditions and darkness. Carbon content of leachates from aquatic macrophytes detritus and dissolved oxygen concentrations were analyzed. From the results we concluded that: i) the decomposition constants differ among macrophytes; these differences being dependent primarily on molecular and elemental composition of detritus and ii) in the short term, most of the oxygen demand seems to depend upon the demineralization of the dissolved carbon fraction.

Aquatic macrophytes in East Lake Taihu and its interaction with water environment

2006-2007年对东太湖网围养殖区及航道水生植物种群结构和水环境状况进行了调查.结果表明:采样区内共有水生植物10种,其中沉水植物6种﹑浮叶植物3种﹑漂浮植物1种;养殖区植物种类较单一,耐污染、再生能力强以及水质净化能力好的金鱼藻﹑狐尾藻和伊乐藻在养殖区呈优势种分布;航道和敞水区优势种类为苦草和马来眼子菜.从水生植物生物量变化来看,9月生物量最高,平均为2882.4±748.8g/m²;养殖区水生植物生物量高于航道和敞水区,两个网区平均可达1251.2±1012.7g/m²、993.9±968.6g/m².水生植物与水环境相互关系来看,温度、透明度和pH等水体物理环境因子对水生植物季节生长和光合作用具有重要影响;水生植物具有吸收水体氮磷营养盐和抑制藻类生长的作用,从而改善了东太湖水质,同时植物季节性生长以及空间分布差异也影响水质时空差异.;The aquatic macrophytes and water environments in the enclosure aquaculture area and waterway of East Lake Taihu were investigated during 2006 and 2007. The results showed that there were ten species of aquatic macrophytes in the investigated area, among six submerged macrophytes, three emergent plants and one floating plant. The plant species were dominant by Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum and Elodea nuttalli in the enclosure aquaculture area, which are pollutant-resistant, regeneration-strong and purification-good macrophytes, while Potamogeton malaianus and Vallisneria spiralis were the dominant species both in the waterway and open water region. Aquatic macrophytes grew vigorously between summer and autumn and the maximum macrophyte biomass was in September when it could reach to 2882.4 ± 748.8g/m². The biomasses of macrophyte in two enclosure aquaculture areas were 1251.2±1012.7g/m² and 993.9±968.6g/m², respectively, which were higher biomass than other water area. The physical factors in water, such as temperature, transparency and pH, had important influences on photosynthesis and seasonal growth of aquatic macrophytes. Through absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients and inhibition of algae growth by aquatic macrophyte in the water body, the water quality of East Lake Taihu had been improved. The patterns of aquatic macrophyte in the lake could also affect the temporal-spatial difference of water quality.

Selection and assembly of macrophyte species in constructed wetland for purification of N and P in wastewater

采用人工配制污水为实验用水进行室内水培实验,研究10种人工湿地中常见水生植物对氨氮和总磷的同化吸收能力,筛选出净化效果好的植物,构建植物组合,以单一植物为对照,研究植物组合对于提高氨氮、总磷净化效果的作用.结果表明:不同植物对氨氮、总磷的去除能力差别较大.千屈菜(Lythrum salicaria)、菖蒲(Acorus calamus)、美人蕉(Cann indica)、达香蒲(Typha davidiana)对氨氮净化效果较好,初始浓度29.69mg/L、15d后,去除率96.6%、98.6%、87.7%、95.1%.美人蕉、凤眼莲(Eichhornia crssipes)、千屈菜、石菖蒲(Acorus tartarinowii)对TP净化效果较好,初始浓度4.44mg/L、15d后,去除率99.0%、54.6%、69.9%、36.7%.千屈菜与石菖蒲的组合能同时提高氨氮与总磷的净化效果;美人蕉与千屈菜的组合、菖蒲与美人蕉的组合、菖蒲与千屈菜的组合、美人蕉与石菖蒲的组合能提高总磷的净化效果.组合实验结果表明,适当的水生植物组合能提高氨氮与总磷的净化效果.;For selecting macrophyte species in constructed wetland, the abilities to remove NH₄⁺-N and TP in the artificial sewage of 10 macrophyte species were investigated by the manipulative indoor experiment. Macrophyte species which had stronger purification effect were selected, then, assemblies were designed to compare with the single ones. The results showed that the abilities of different macrophyte species to remove nitrogen and phosphorous contrast sharply with one another. Lythrum salicaria, Acorus calamus, Cann indica, Typha davidiana had stronger ability to remove NH₄⁺-N, when treated for 15 days, with an original concentration of 29.69mg/L, the removal rates were 96.6%, 98.6%, 87.7%, 95.1% respectively. Cann indica, Eichhornia crssipes, Lythrum salicaria, Acorus tartarinowii had stronger ability to remove TP, when treated for 15 days, with an original concentration of 4.44mg/L, the removal rates were 99.0%, 54.6%, 69.9%, 36.7%, respectively. In respect of the removal rates of NH₄⁺-N and TP, the assembly of Lythrum salicaria and Acorus tartarinowii (54.2%, -32.6%) did better than Lythrum salicaria(28.7%, -41.5%,), which indicated that the assembly could improve purification effect of NH₄⁺-N and TP simultaneously. The assembly of Lythrum salicaria and Cann indica, the assembly of Acorus calamus and Cann indica, the assembly of Acorus calamus and Lythrum salicaria, the assembly of Cann indica and Acorus tartarinowii, all the assemblies had stronger removal abilities of TP than the single ones. The results of the investigation into selection and assembly of aquatic macrophyte species suggested that, proper assemblies could improve the purification effect of NH₄⁺-N and TP in wastewater in comparison with the single ones.

EVALUATION OF BIOMONITORING APPROACH TO STUDY LAKE CONTAMINATION BY ACCUMULATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN SELECTED AQUATIC MACROPHYTES: A CASE STUDY OF KANEWAL COMMUNITY RESERVE, GUJARAT, INDIA

A biomonitoring study was carried out at Kanewal reservoir, an internationally important wetland listed in Asian Directory of Wetlands, designated as a “Wetland of National Importance” and a proposed community reserve of Gujarat State, India, to ascertain the degree of trace element contamination. The study focused on assessment of trace element contamination in certain aquatic macrophytes to be used as biomonitors, in comparison with water and sediments (abiotic monitor) for heavy metal pollution. Good information was provided by analyzing the roots, stems and leaves of native aquatic plants (biomonitors) represented by seven species: Eichhornia crassipes, Echinochloa colonum, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Nelumbo nucifera, Typha angustata and Vallisneria spiralis, along with surface sediments and water, were analyzed for Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination. The highest concentrations of the trace elements were measured in Eichhornia crassipes and the lowest in Nelumbo nucifera. Based on the concentration and toxicity status observed in the lake's vegetation, the six metals are arranged in the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd > Co > Pb. Compared with the standard, normal and critical toxicity range in plants, the detected value of Pb falls within normal range, while that of other elements were within the critical range. However, Zn and Cu showed the highest concentration and alarming toxicity levels, which are considered as one of the most hazardous pollutants in Kanewal reservoir. Certain species of aquatic macrophytes are also proposed as biomonitors (and/or biofilters) such as Eichhornia crassipes and Typha angustata, which are the two most useful species in biomonitoring studies due to their ability to accumulate elements in high concentration in the roots and its availability throughout the year. The results showed the significant difference in accumulation of metals like Zn, Cu and Ni in different plant organs, which showed more accumulation in roots than that of stems and leaves. High positive correlation between combinations of different metal pairs in plant’s root, stem or leaf system was established.

The impact of environmental factors on the distribution pattern of aquatic plants along the Danube River corridor (Slovakia)

The aim of the study was to evaluate pattern of the aquatic macrophyte species distribution along the Danube fluvial corridor in Slovakia, and to identify the impact of environmental abiotic parameters on macrophyte species diversity. Field sampling was performed in the period 1999–2005 from the boat. Aquatic habitats were divided into 365 survey unit (SU). The survey of aquatic macrophytes and abiotic parameters followed the European standard approach EN 144184 2003. The plant mass estimate (PME – a semi-quantitative estimation of the amount of individual species in a SU, which takes into account three-dimensional development of plant stands) was estimated according to a five-point-scale in each SU; environmental pattern, were assessed over six abiotic parameters (river km, bank type, sediment type, flow velocity class, land-use type, and heavily man-modified water bodies). Altogether, four hydrologic connectivity types of aquatic habitats were distinguished: the Danube River, Open Arms, Separated Arms, and Seepage Water-bodies. In total, 54 aquatic macrophytes were recorded for the whole data set of the Danube fluvial corridor. The PME data of true aquatic macrophytes and the length of SUs created a basis for numerical derivates, relative plant mass (RPM), mean mass indices (MMT, MMO) and the distribution ratio ( d). The results correspond with comparable studies on this topic: the highest macrophytes species diversity occurred in Separated Arms. On the contrary, macrophytes had the lowest richness in the Danube River main channel, although their diversity was slightly higher in heavily man-modified water bodies (such as the hydropower plant's reservoir and the abandoned main channel of the so-called Old Danube). Our results suggest that the lateral connectivity types of the river water bodies, primarily characterised by different hydrologic dynamics and human impact expressed as land-use types are responsible for the variability of aquatic macrophyte assemblages along the Danube corridor in Slovakia.

Effects of lime-induced inorganic carbon reduction on the growth of three aquatic macrophyte species

Lime application to aquatic systems may be an effective means of stressing macrophyte growth and promoting changes in species assemblage by inducing temporary dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) limitation of productivity. Shoot and root growth response to lime (as Ca(OH) 2) application was investigated for three macrophyte species ( Elodea canadensis, Stuckenia pectinata, and Vallisneria americana) grown in experimental outdoor mesocosms. Lime was applied to mesocosms at three treatment levels to maintain pH for 1 week at 9.8–10.0 (1.64 mM), 10.3–10.5 (at the bicarbonate–carbonate equivalence point; 3.00 mM), and 10.8–11.0 (4.34 mM). pH recovered to control levels in all treated mesocosms 20 days after lime application. After treatment, HCO 3 − and DIC declined by 66, 93, and 93% and 60, 89, and 87%, respectively, versus increasing lime application. Concentrations remained lower in treated mesocosms versus the control throughout post-treatment. Differential growth response was observed in the 1.64 and 3.00 mM treatments, suggesting species-specific tolerances to both DIC concentration and form. V. americana was most sensitive to lime as the 1.64 mM treatment resulted in 54% shoot growth suppression versus the control and shoot plus root biomass loss in the 3.00 and 4.34 mM treatments. S. pectinata and E. canadensis exhibited net shoot and root growth (although significantly lower than controls) in both the 1.64 and 3.00 mM treatments and complete growth suppression in the 4.34 mM treatment. Selective control and shifts in species assemblage may be possible by adjusting lime concentration in relation to compensation point and needs to be investigated under field conditions.

Competitive interactions between Salvinia auriculata Aubl., Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. and Bonpl. ex Willd.) Heine, and other free-floating aquatic macrophytes under varying nutrient availability

Competitive interrelationships between Salvinia auriculata Aubl. and Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. and Bonpl. ex Willd.) Heine, in combination with additional Brazilian free-floating aquatic macrophyte species, were studied using the De Wit replacement series method, under conditions of varying nutrient availability. The relative competitive success, measured as biomass production, relative yield total, and aggressivity, of the two target species with each other, with Pistia stratiotes, and (individually) with either Salvinia minima or Lemna minor, was determined in a series of five glasshouse experiments. The competitiveness of three free-floating species relative to S. auriculata was ranked as L. minor > P. stratiotes = L. laevigatum; and relative to L. laevigatum as P. stratiotes > S. auriculata > S. minima. The findings support observations in the literature on the co-existence of these species in Brazilian waterbodies.

A fluorescence-based bioassay for aquatic macrophytes and its suitability for effect analysis of non-photosystem II inhibitors

BACKGROUND, GOALS AND SCOPE: During the last years the miniaturization of toxicity test systems for rapid and parallel measurements of large quantities of samples has often been discussed. For unicellular algae as well as for aquatic macrophytes, fluorescence-based miniaturized test systems have been introduced to analyze photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors. Nevertheless, high-throughput screening should also guarantee the effect detection of a broad range of toxicants in order to ensure routinely applicable, high-throughput measuring device experiments which can cover a broad range of toxicants and modes of action others than PSII inhibition. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a fast and reproducible measuring system for non-PSII inhibitors for aquatic macrophyte species to overcome major limitations for use. A newly developed imaging pulse-amplitude-modulated chlorophyll fluorometer (I-PAM) was applied as an effect detector in short-term bioassays with the aquatic macrophyte species Lemna minor. This multiwell-plate based measuring device enabled the incubation and measurement of up to 24 samples in parallel. The chemicals paraquat-dichloride, alizarine and triclosan were chosen as representatives for the toxicant groups of non-PSII herbicides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), which are often detected in the aquatic environment. The I-PAM was used (i) to establish and validate the sensitivity of the test system to the three non-PSII inhibitors, (ii) to compare the test systems with standardized and established biotests for aquatic macrophytes, and (iii) to define necessary time scales in aquatic macrophyte testing. For validation of the fluorescence-based assay, the standard growth test with L. minor (ISO/DIS 20079) was performed in parallel for each chemical. The results revealed that fluorescence-based measurements with the I-PAM allow rapid and parallel analysis of large amounts of aquatic macrophyte samples. The I-PAM enabled the recording of concentration-effect-curves with L. minor samples on a 24-well plate with single measurements. Fluorescence-based concentration-effect-curves could be detected for all three chemicals after only 1 h of incubation. After 4-5 h incubation time, the maximum inhibition of fluorescence showed an 80-100% effect for the chemicals tested. The EC50 after 24 h incubation were estimated to be 0.06 mg/L, 0.84 mg/L and 1.69 mg/L for paraquat-dichloride, alizarine and triclosan, respectively. The results obtained with the I-PAM after 24 h for the herbicide paraquat-dichloride and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon alizarine were in good accordance with median effective concentrations (EC50s) obtained by the standardized growth test for L. minor after 7 d incubation (0.09 mg/L and 0.79 mg/L for paraquat-dichloride and alizarine, respectively). Those results were in accordance with literature findings for the two chemicals. In contrast, fluorescence-based EC50 of the antimicrobial agent triclosan proved to be two orders of magnitude greater when compared to the standard growth test with 7 d incubation time (0.026 mg/L) as well as with literature findings. Typically, aquatic macrophyte testing is very time consuming and relies on laborious experimental set-ups. The I-PAM measuring device enabled fast effect screening for the three chemicals tested. While established test systems for aquatic macrophytes need incubation times of > or = 7 d, the I-PAM can detect inhibitory effects much earlier (24 h), even if inhibition of chemicals is not specifically associated with PSII. Thus, the fluorescence-based bioassay with the I-PAM offers a promising approach for the miniaturization and high-throughput testing of chemicals with aquatic macrophytes. For the chemical triclosan, however, the short-term effect prediction with the I-PAM has been shown to be less sensitive than with long-term bioassays, which might be due to physicochemical substance properties such as lipophilicity. The results of this study show that the I-PAM represents a promising tool for decreasing the incubation times of aquatic macrophyte toxicity testing to about 24 h as a supplement to existing test batteries. The applicability of this I-PAM bioassay on emergent and submerged aquatic macrophyte species should be investigated in further studies. Regarding considerations that physicochemical properties of the tested substances might play an important role in microplate bioassays, the I-PAM bioassay should either be accompanied by evaluating physicochemical properties modeled from structural information prior to an experimental investigation, or by intensified chemical analyses to identify and determine nominal concentrations of the toxicants tested. The chemicals paraquat-dichloride, alizarine and triclosan were chosen as representatives for the toxicant groups of non-PSII herbicides, PAHs and PPCPs which are often detected in the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, in order to ensure a routinely applicable measuring device, experiments with a broader range of toxicants and samples of surface and/or waste waters are necessary.

Aquatic macrophytes diversity in lagoons of a tropical floodplain: The role of connectivity and water level

Abstract The goal of this research is to evaluate how the assemblages of aquatic macrophytes in marginal floodplain habitats, with different degrees of connectivity to the main river, respond to water level fluctuations. Samples were carried out quarterly (May 2000 to March 2002) in seven lagoons of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (22°30′ and 22°45′‐S and 53°15′ and 53°30′‐W) with different degrees of connectivity (connected and disconnected to the main river). In each lagoon, a shore‐pelagic zone transect was marked and at every 2 m the depth and the cover of each aquatic macrophyte species were recorded (Domin‐Krajina scale) in a quadrat of 0.25 m2. A total of 29 aquatic macrophyte species and an unusual decrease in water level were recorded in August 2001. Drawdown had a negative impact on species richness, only in connected lagoons, which was shown by a positive relationship between depth and species number (r‐Spearman = 0.86; P < 0.01). Depth affected Beta diversity positively (r‐Spearman = 0.79; P < 0.05). Drawdown affected the connected and disconnected lagoons differently, which can be attributed to their different morphometry. In this period, ‘habitat contraction’ was higher on connected lagoons. Positive correlation between mean species number and depth, and between beta diversity and depth, are factors that support this affirmation. Indicator species analysis showed that for disconnected lagoons, Oxycaryum cubense (Cyperaceae), Polygonum meissnerianum (Polygonaceae) and P. ferrugineum, with indicator values (IndVal) of 53, 30 and 25%, respectively, were indicator species. Salvinia spp. (Salvinaceae) (62%), P. acuminatum (44%) and the Ricciaceae Ricciocarpus natans (0%) were the indicator species of the connected lagoons.

Effects of hydrological variation on the aquatic plant community in a floodplain palustrine wetland of southern Brazil

This study analyzed macrophyte richness, biomass, and composition under flooding of brief duration (less than 3 days) and drawdown events over an annual cycle in a floodplain palustrine wetland in the south of Brazil. The study was carried out to test the hypothesis that floods of brief and very brief duration are not long enough to compromise the richness and the biomass of aquatic macrophytes and that the alternation between wet and drawdown phases may cause variations in the macrophyte richness and composition. A total of 26 aquatic macrophyte species were observed from April 2003 to May 2004: 13 species were observed during the wet phase, and 24 during the drawdown phase. The mean richness was higher during the drawdown phase than during the wet phase, however, the mean biomass was similar in both phases. Although macrophyte richness was not modified after the three flooding events, mean biomass was modified after two events. The number of macrophyte species of which the biomass was modified after the first flooding event increased with subsequent floods. These results illustrate the importance of the dynamics between brief floods and drawdown events to the aquatic plant community in floodplain wetlands in southern Brazil.

Assessment of methods to estimate aquatic macrophyte species richness in extrapolated sample sizes

We evaluated six methods to estimate species richness in extrapolated sample size using presence–absence data for aquatic macrophyte assemblages. Methods suitable for assemblages involving terrestrial and non-clonal (unitary) organisms may not be valid for aquatic macrophytes. The extrapolation of a species accumulation curve using a logarithmic function or using a linear model on the log of accumulated sampling units consistently overestimated species richness. The newly proposed Total-Species method gave similar results. The Negative Binomial and Logarithmic Series methods and the recently proposed Binomial Mixture Model were unbiased and accurate. We conclude that current extrapolation techniques are valid for estimation of species richness in macrophyte assemblages, and recommend the Logarithmic Series, Binomial Negative or Binomial Mixture Model methods.

Development and validation of a new fluorescence-based bioassay for aquatic macrophyte species

Bioassays with unicellular algae are frequently used as ecotoxicological test systems to evaluate the toxicity of contaminated environmental samples or chemicals. In contrast, aquatic macrophyte test systems are still rarely used as they are laborious to handle because species exhibit distinct ecological requirements. The aim of this study was to establish a fast and reproducible measuring system for aquatic macrophyte species to overcome those limitations for use. Thus, a newly developed pulse-amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorometer (Imaging-PAM) was applied as an effect detection in short-term bioassays with aquatic macrophyte species. This multiwell-plate-based measuring device enables the incubation and measurement of up to 24 samples in parallel. The Imaging-PAM was used (i) to establish and validate the sensitivity of the test systems to three Photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors (atrazine, prometryn, isoproturon), (ii) to compare the test systems with established biotests for macrophytes and (iii) to define necessary time scales in aquatic macrophyte testing. The results showed that fluorescence-based measurements with the Imaging-PAM allow rapid and parallel analysis of large amounts of aquatic macrophyte samples and of toxicants effects of the PSII inhibitors tested on aquatic macrophytes. Measurements revealed a good correlation between obtained median effective concentrations (EC50s) for the new and the established biotest systems. Hence, the Imaging-PAM measuring device is a promising tool to allow fast chemical effect screening for high amounts of samples with little time and material and thus offers scope for high-throughput biotesting using aquatic macrophyte species.

Effect of reservoir drawdown on biomass of three species of aquatic macrophytes in a large sub-tropical reservoir (Itaipu, Brazil)

The biomass and maximum depth of colonization (Zmax) of Egeria najas Planchon (submerged), and the biomass and area covered by a stand of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and Salvinia herzogii Raddi (floating species) were assessed to measure the effects of a 5 m drawdown in water level of the Itaipu Reservoir (Brazil—Paraguay), which lasted about 3 months. The frequency of occurrence of the two first species, and of Salvinia spp was also assessed in the main arms of the reservoir. A conspicuous decrease of E. najas biomass was observed and this attribute did not reach the previous values even 10 months after the water level had returned to normal. Rapid growth of free-floating species (surface t doub = 2.9 and 3.2 days for total biomass of S. herzogii and E. crassipes, respectively, and 2.3 days for surface area covered by both species) was recorded immediately after the water level returned to normal. This fast growth was related to phosphorus increases in water. A clear succession was observed over a period of 103 days, during which S. herzogii was slowly substituted by E. crassipes. The effects of water level drawdown were also observed on E. najas frequency, given that this species occurred in 38% of the stands investigated before the water drawdown, but in only 9 and 6% of stands following 1 and 10 months of water level recovery, respectively. Water drawdown did not affect the frequency of occurrence of the floating species, which remained approximately constant, and lower than 15% in several of the reservoir arms investigated.

Macrophyte Species Assemblages and Distribution in a Shallow, Eutrophic Lake

The objectives of this project were to: assess the presence of aquatic macrophyte species assemblages, associations, and/or communities; assess the distribution of Cabomba caroliniana (fanwort) and other macrophytes with water depth; and analyze the spatial distribution of fanwort and other macrophytes using a Geographical Information System (GIS). The study site was a shallow, eutrophic lake in North Reading, MA. Macrophytes were sampled along 36 transects located across the littoral zone. Ordination analysis showed some strong macrophyte associations and the presence of four partially distinct communities. However, the two most abundant species at the site, Cabomba and an aquatic moss (Drepanocladus sp.) had both limited associations with other species and were strongly segregated from one another. Our results show that spatial and distributional analyses can be coupled with macrophyte composition data to provide robust assessments of macrophyte species patterns. These techniques are especially valuable when assessing the extent and influence of non-native, invasive macrophyte species.

Phosphorus concentration in sediment, water and tissues of␣three submerged macrophytes of Myall Lake, Australia

Phosphorus content in sediment, water and tissues of three macrophyte species growing in Myall Lake, Australia were studied from January to November, 2004. The sites investigated were North–West (NW), North–East (NE), South–West (SW) bays and Central deep area of the lake (CL). The objective of this study was to investigate how total phosphorus (TP) in plant tissues relate to phosphorus pools and the role played by the aquatic macrophyte species under investigation in phosphorus recycling in the lake. Of the four investigated sites of the lake, TP in plant tissues were significantly higher in North–West and South–West bays compared to the rest. Najas marina had significantly higher TP content (e.g., 1.55 and 1.44 mg/g dw.; P < 0.05) for NW and SW respectively, than the other two species. N. marina is a rooted macrophyte while charophytes (C. fibrosa and Nitella hyalina) are pseudo-rooted macrophytes. Total phosphorus in the sediment and water column were significantly higher in Central deep area of the lake compared to the other three bays (P < 0.05, n 5). Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) in sediment pore water correlated significantly with phosphorus content in the tissue of N. marina ( \(r^{2}_{{\rm SRP}-N.\ marina}=0.95\); \(r^{2}_{{\rm TDP}-N.\ marina}=0.92\)) as well as TP in sediment (␣\(r^{2}_{\rm SRP-TP}=0.90\) and \(r^{2}_{\rm TDP-TP}=0.81\)). Using the two-compartmental uptake model, it was observed that, sediment was the main compartment through which Ni. hyalina obtained phosphorus while for the other two species, water column was the uptake route for the phosphorus. These correlations suggest that, water column and sediments are important pathways for phosphorus uptake in plants.

Hydrologic cycle and dynamics of aquatic macrophytes in two intermittent rivers of the semi-arid region of Brazil

The dynamics of aquatic macrophytes in intermittent rivers is generally related to the characteristics of the resistance and resilience of plants to hydrologic disturbances of flood and drought. In the semi-arid region of Brazil, intermittent rivers and streams are affected by disturbances with variable intensity, frequency, and duration throughout their hydrologic cycles. The aim of the present study is to determine the occurrence and variation of biomass of aquatic macrophyte species in two intermittent rivers of distinct hydrologic regimes. Their dynamics were determined with respect to resistance and resilience responses of macrophytes to flood and drought events by estimating the variation of biomass and productivity throughout two hydrologic cycles. Twenty-one visits were undertaken in the rewetting, drying, and drought phases in a permanent puddle in the Avelós stream and two temporary puddles in the Taperoá river, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The sampling was carried out by using the square method. Floods of different magnitudes occurred during the present study in the river and in the stream. The results showed that floods and droughts are determining factors in the occurrence of macrophytes and in the structure of their aquatic communities. The species richness of the aquatic macrophyte communities was lower in the puddles of the river and stream subject to flood events, when compared to areas where the run-off water is retained. At the beginning of the recolonization process, the intensity of the floods was decisive in the productivity and biomass of the aquatic macrophytes in the Taperoá river and the Avelós stream. In intermediate levels of disturbance, the largest values of productivity and biomass and the shortest time for starting the recolonization process occurred.

Size‐dependent effects of an invasive herbivorous snail (Pomacea canaliculata) on macrophytes and periphyton in Asian wetlands

Summary1. The invasive golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), native to South America, is a serious pest on rice seedlings in south‐east Asia and has also been shown to consume large amounts of macrophytes in natural wetlands, with large effects on ecosystem functioning. Earlier studies suggest that the snail undergoes an ontogenetic diet shift, feeding on algae and detritus as juveniles and shifting to aquatic macrophytes as adults.2. Here, we study the effects of snail populations with a size‐structure typical of either populations at an invasive front or the size‐structure of established populations. In an enclosure experiment performed in a wetland in Laos, we compared treatments with small snails only (3 mm; invasive treatment) to treatments with small, medium sized (10 mm) and adult (&gt;25 mm) snails (established treatment). The effects of snail grazing on three aquatic macrophyte species and periphytic algae were quantified.3. We found that snails of all sizes had a strong negative effect on the biomass of all macrophyte species and periphytic algae. There was no evidence of an ontogenetic diet change, i.e. snails in both the invasive and established treatments affected macrophyte biomass. Foraging was size‐dependent in that small snails had higher relative foraging capacity (g plant consumed per g of snail) compared with medium and adult snails. Small snails, therefore, depressed growth of medium snails at increasing densities through exploitative competition for preferred resources, while adult snails did not grow at all in the presence of small snails.4. Density dependence is common in freshwater invertebrates, including gastropod populations, but differences in size dependent foraging‐ and competitive‐ability have rarely been demonstrated in this group of organisms. Knowledge about intra‐specific differences in ecological performance may, however, both deepen our understanding of the processes that underlie population dynamics in invertebrates such as gastropods, and help develop control strategies for invasive golden apple snails.

Biomonitoring of selected freshwater macrophytes to assess lake trace element contamination: a case study of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

A biomonitoring study was carried out at Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, a proposed Ramsar site, Gujarat State, India, to ascertain the degree of trace element contamination. The study focused on assessment of trace element contamination in certain aquatic macrophytes to be used as biomonitors, in comparison with the sediments (abiotic monitor) for heavy metal pollution. Good information was provided by analyzing roots, stems and leaves of native aquatic plants (biomonitors) represented by eight species: Bergia odorata, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Najas graminea, Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites karka, Typha angustata and Vellisnaria spiralis, alongwith surface sediments and water, were analyzed for Cd, Co, Cu, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination. The highest concentrations of the trace elements were measured in Ipomoea aquatica and the lowest in Bergia odorata. Based on the concentration and toxicity status observed in the lake's vegetation, the six metals are arranged in the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd. Compared with the standard, normal and critical toxicity range in plants, the detected values of Cd and Pb falls within normal range, while that of Co, Ni and Cu were within the critical range. However, Zn showed the highest concentration and alarming toxicity levels, which is considered as one of the most hazardous pollutants in Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Certain aquatic macrophytes species are also proposed as biomonitors for the investigated heavy metal pollutants. Such result was significant in the plant species such as Ipomoea aquatica and Phragmites karka, which are the two most useful species in biomonitoring studies due to their ability to accumulate elements in high concentration in the roots and their availability throughout the year. The results showed the significant difference in accumulation rate of some metals like Zn, Cu and Ni in different plant organs, which showed more accumulation in root than that of stem and leaves. Also, there is a high positive correlation between combinations of different metal-pairs in either plant's root, stem or leaf system.