Potamogeton Pectinatus Research Articles

Within-lake isolation and reproductive strategy of Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner at Lake Naivasha (Kenya): About water level fluctuations and alien species

Submerged aquatic plants with mixed reproduction mode may show enhanced clonal growth explained by environmental conditions. For Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner this has been linked to within-lake factors, both biotic (tuber predation, herbivory, periphyton shading) and abiotic (hydrological connectivity, sediment type). We investigated the S. pectinata population from Lake Naivasha, where submerged aquatic plants tolerated strong historical water level fluctuations until introduced crayfish, shading by floating exotic weeds and increased turbidity nearly eradicated them, although some stands now rebounded in various lake areas. Using 13 nuclear microsatellite loci, we analyzed genetic diversity and structure of S. pectinata subpopulations along the southeastern shoreline of the main lake and inside Crescent Island Crater, a peripheral lake basin enclosed within the rim of an extinct volcano. Results revealed a predominantly sexual reproductive strategy with limited clonal expansion in the main lake contrasting with pronounced clonal growth in the crater basin. Each subpopulation experienced recent bottlenecks. Crater basin subpopulations exhibited the strongest divergence, lower clonal diversity and larger-sized clones. We explain this differentiation by the exposed crater rim acting as barrier, isolating the crater basin from the main lake during recent decades when low water levels prevailed, accompanied with less negative impact from alien species than in the main lake. Clonal extension occurred on steep-sloping hard sandy substrates, that likely prompted local reproductive adaptations. Genetic diversity, clonal structure and connectivity patterns are discussed in the light of the specific history and features of Lake Naivasha.

Findings of Aquatic Vascular Plants on the Sakhalin Island

Investigations of South-western geobotanical district of Sakhalin Island, which is classified as a separate subzone of dark coniferous forests with an admixture of broad-leaved species and corresponds to Krillon floristic district, revealed a number of new aquatic vascular plant species for that area (Lemna turionifera, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Potamogeton gramineus, P. manchuriensis, Stuckenia pectinata, Utricularia minor, U. × ochroleuca). There is also a novelty for the South-Sakhalin lowland geobotanical district (Myriophyllum spicatum). All these taxa are known from other geobotanical districts of Sakhalin. The additions to the flora of the South-western district, which is well surveyed by botanists, indicate not floristic uniqueness of the subzone of dark coniferous forests with an admixture of broad-leaved species, but rather a poor knowledge of the Sakhalin Island aquatic flora.

Assessment of phytodiversity and phytoremediation potential of plants in the vicinity of a thermal power plant

A study was carried out to evaluate phytodiversity along with the metal accumulation potential of native plants growing in the vicinity of a thermal power plant (TPP). We documented 26 tree species, six shrubs, and 35 herbs. Importance value index (IVI), which measures the extent to which a species dominates in an area, was found highest for Senna siamea (95.7) followed by Tectona grandis (56.5), and Pithecellobium dulce (19.6). Soil was acidic (pH 5.4) in nature with higher concentrations of Al and Fe. The pH of ground water was found acidic while pH of nearby river was found slightly alkaline. Values of PM2.5 and PM10 were slightly higher than NAAQS standards for industrial areas. The concentration of metals was found higher in aquatic plants than in terrestrial plants. In general, herbs and shrubs showed more metal accumulation potential than trees. Our results suggest that Senna siamea could be used for revegetation purposes in FA landfills. Further, terrestrial and aquatic plants such as Ageratina adenophora and Stuckenia pectinata could be used for reclamation of Mn, Zn, Al, and Fe from contaminated soils. Hydrilla verticillata (Ni and Mn), Nelumbo nucifera, and Ipomoea aquatica (Cr) can be used for metal removal from contaminated water.

Phosphorus accumulation during the ice-on season in macrophyte-dominated eutrophic lakes and its implications

Macrophyte overgrowth in eutrophic lakes can hasten the decline of shallow water bodies, yet the impact of macrophyte deposition on sediment phosphorus (P) accumulation in the ice-on season remains unclear. Comparative analyses of P variations among 13 semi-connected sub-lakes in Wuliangsu Lake in China, a typical MDE lake, considered external flow and macrophyte decomposition as driving forces. Sediment P fractions and water total phosphorus (TP) were analyzed at 35 sampling points across three ice-on season stages, along with macrophyte TP content to assess debris contributions.Our findings reveal that phosphorus accumulation occurs during the ice-on season in the MDE lake, with an average TP content increase of 16 mg/kg. However, we observed a surprisingly small sediment nutrient accumulation ratio (ΔTP/ΔTN=0.006) compared to macrophyte nutrient levels before decomposition. Further analysis of the dominant species, Potamogeton pectinatus, indicates that a significant portion (55%) of macrophyte phosphorus is released before the ice-on season. This highlights the critical importance of timing macrophyte harvesting to precede the phosphorus leaching process, which has implications for lake management and ecosystem restoration efforts.Additionally, our research demonstrates similar transformations among different sediment fractions as previously reported. Macrophyte debris decomposition likely serves as the primary source of Residual P (Res-P) or TP accumulation. In addition, Ca-bound P (Ca–P) generally showed a decrease, which mainly caused by its transformation to Fe/Al-bound P (Fe/Al–P), Exchange-P (Ex-P), and sometimes to Res-P. However, we emphasize the significant impacts of flow dynamics on Ca–P transport and transformations. Its hydrodynamic action increases water dissolved oxygen, which accelerates the transformation of Ca–P to more easily released Fe/Al–P and Ex-P. Furthermore, hydrodynamic transport also leads to upstream Ca–P transport to downstream. This underscores the necessity of considering flow dynamics when estimating phosphorus variations and formulating phosphorus restoration strategies.

Analysis of diversity and function of epiphytic bacterial communities associated with macrophytes using a metagenomic approach

Epiphytic bacteria constitute a vital component of aquatic ecosystems, pivotal in regulating elemental cycling. Despite their significance, the diversity and functions of epiphytic bacterial communities adhering to various submerged macrophytes remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed a metagenomic approach to investigate the diversity and function of epiphytic bacterial communities associated with six submerged macrophytes: Ceratophyllum demersum, Hydrilla verticillata, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Potamogeton lucens, Stuckenia pectinata, and Najas marina. The results revealed that the predominant epiphytic bacterial species for each plant type included Pseudomonas spp., Microbacterium spp., and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila. Multiple comparisons and linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated a significant divergence in the community composition of epiphytic bacteria among the six submerged macrophytes, with 0.3–1% of species uniquely identified. Epiphytic bacterial richness associated with S. pectinata significantly differed from that of both C. demersum and H. verticillata, although no significant differences were observed in diversity and evenness. Functionally, notable variations were observed in the relative abundances of genes associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling within epiphytic bacterial communities on the submerged macrophyte hosts. Among these communities, H. verticillata exhibited enrichment in genes related to the 3-hydroxypropionate bicycle and nitrogen assimilation, translocation, and denitrification. Conversely, M. verticillatum showcased enrichment in genes linked to the reductive citric acid cycle (Arnon-Buchanan cycle), reductive pentose phosphate cycle (Calvin cycle), polyphosphate degradation, and organic nitrogen metabolism. In summary, our findings offer valuable insights into the diversity and function of epiphytic bacteria on submerged macrophyte leaves, shedding light on their roles in lake ecosystems.

A novel strategy for estimating biomass of submerged aquatic vegetation in lake integrating UAV and Sentinel data

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) plays a fundamental ecological role in mediating carbon cycling within lakes, and its biomass is essential to assess the carbon sequestration potential of lake ecosystems. Remote sensing (RS) offers a powerful tool for large-scale SAV biomass retrieval. Given the underwater location of SAV, the spectral signal in RS data often exhibits weakness, capturing primarily horizontal structure rather than volumetric information crucial for biomass assessment. Fortunately, easily-measured SAV coverage can serve as an intermediary variable for difficultly-quantified SAV biomass inversion. Nevertheless, obtaining enough SAV coverage samples matching satellite image pixels for robust model development remains problematic. To overcome this challenge, we employed a UAV to acquire high-precision data, thereby replacing manual SAV coverage sample collection. In this study, we proposed an innovative strategy integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite data to invert large-scale SAV coverage, and subsequently estimate the biomass of the dominant SAV population (Potamogeton pectinatus) in Ulansuhai Lake. Firstly, a coverage-biomass model (R2 = 0.93, RMSE = 0.8 kg/m2) depicting the relationship between SAV coverage and biomass was developed. Secondly, in a designed experimental area, a high-precision multispectral image was captured by a UAV. Based on the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), the UAV-based image was classified into non-vegetated and vegetated areas, thereby generating an SAV distribution map. Leveraging spatial correspondence between satellite pixels and the UAV-based SAV distribution map, the proportion of SAV within each satellite pixel, referred to as SAV coverage, was computed, and a coverage sample set matched with satellite pixels was obtained. Subsequently, based on the sample set, a satellite-scale SAV coverage estimation model (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 14.05 %) was constructed with features from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data by XGBoost algorithm. Finally, integrating the coverage-biomass model with the obtained coverage inversion results, fresh biomass of SAV in Ulansuhai Lake was successfully estimated to be approximately 574,600 tons.

The influence of flow, nutrient enrichment and aquatic macrophytes on benthic microalgal dynamics in a perched temporarily closed estuary

This study investigated the benthic microalgal dynamics in a temporarily closed microtidal estuary situated along a degraded stretch of coastline, where estuaries are impacted by development, flow modification, and nutrient pollution. The near natural, perched uMdlotane Estuary experienced regular high flow conditions that maintained the open mouth state for 40% of the study period. Increased nutrient input originated from agricultural-return flow derived from the extensive catchment sugarcane farming (55.9%). No notable temporal differences were recorded for the benthic microalgal biomass (range: 0–41.3 mg m−2). The benthic diatom diversity and evenness indices ranged between 0.6 and 3.1 H′ and 0.2–1 J′, respectively. Higher benthic microalgal biomass (14.9 ± 15.6 mg m−2) coincided with lower diatom diversity (1.3 H’) in the lower reaches. The habitat stability provided by the rooted Stuckenia pectinata facilitated benthic microalgal accumulation, while the absence of sediment disturbance contributed to the decrease in the benthic diatom diversity. The benthic diatom species Cocconeis lineata, Halamphora acutiuscula, and Hantzschia amphioxys largely dominated the community. Temporal differentiation in benthic diatom composition was driven by salinity, water temperature, phosphate, and photic depth changes. The pollution tolerant species Cyclotella atomus increased in abundance (sub-dominant RA = 5%) in response to increased phosphate availability. The presence of nutrient tolerant taxa serves as an early warning of impending environmental deterioration. Implementation of an adaptive management approach supported by monitoring is required to facilitate timely interventions to prevent the loss of ecosystem functionality induced by nutrient enrichment.

Distribution and co-occurrence patterns of charophytes and angiosperms in the northern Baltic Sea

The distribution data of 11 soft substrate charophyte and angiosperm species were analyzed. Our study aimed to elucidate the co-occurrence patterns among these sympatric macrophyte species and quantify their distribution areas. The central hypothesis of this study proposed that the observed co-occurrence patterns among the studied species deviate from what would be expected by random chance. Macrophyte occurrence data was derived from an extensive field sampling database. Environmental variables available as georeferenced raster layers including topographical, hydrodynamic, geological, physical, chemical, and biological variables were used as predictor variables in the random forest models to predict the spatial distribution of the species. Permutation tests revealed statistically significant deviations from random co-occurrence patterns. The analysis demonstrated that species tended to co-occur more frequently within their taxonomic groups (i.e., within charophytes and within angiosperms) than between these groups. The most extensive distribution overlap was observed between Chara aspera Willd. and Chara canescens Loisel., while Zostera marina L. exhibited the least overlap with the other species. The mean number of co-occurring species was the highest in Chara baltica (Hartman) Bruzelius while Z. marina had the largest share of single-species occurrences. Based on the distribution models, Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner had the largest distribution area.

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.

Monitoring water spread and aquatic vegetation using earth observational data for Nani-High Altitude Lake (N-HAL) of Uttarakhand State, India

The lakes are facing anthropogenic pressure and losing its natural characteristics. Hence, the evaluation of lake water quality is a thrust area of research. The Nani-High Altitude Lake (N-HAL) was aimed to study during pre- and post-monsoon (March and October) period (2017–2022) using earth observation data based on false color composite (FCC) and spectral indices. The Sentinel-2 A/B data of 10 m spatial resolution was considered for monitoring and mapping of high-altitude lake. The FCC images were used to map and monitor changes in water spread and aquatic vegetation. Further, three spectral indices, namely, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normalized Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI), were applied to delineate water bodies and aquatic macrophytic vegetation (recorded are the Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton crispus, Polygonum glabrum, Polygonum amphibium and Polygonum hydropiper (Water pepper). Results reveal that the water surface extent has changed from 2017 to 2022, depending on the pre- and post-monsoon rainfall pattern during the study period. During a flood year on 18-20, October 2021, in the area resulting into a drastic reduction in the aquatic vegetation and suspended particles. This lake needs immediate conservation and management policies.

Structure of the macrophyte communities of small rivers in Saratov under anthropogenic load

The article presents the results of investigations of the flora of small rivers within the city of Saratov (Yelshanka, Nazarovka, 1st Gusyolka, and 2nd Gusyolka). The species composition of aquatic plants of the streams studied is represented by 37 macrophyte species belonging to 23 genera, 17 families and three divisions (Charophyta, Polypodiophyta, and Magnoliophyta). The families Potamogetonaceae, Cyperaceae and Lemnaceae predominate by the number of represented species. The values of the Menchinik index indicate that the greatest floristic diversity is characteristic of the Yelshanka and Nazarovka rivers (3.1 and 3.4, respectively). The species composition of aquatic plants of the studied rivers within the urban area has a low similarity coefficient with the flora of rivers with relatively low anthropogenic load. Hydrophytes are the most numerous ecological group (22 species). According to the Paley–Kownacki dominance index, among the macrophytes of the studied rivers, most species are subdominant (57.28%) (Potamogeton perfoliatus, Typha angustifolia, Lemna trisulca, etc.). 37.18% (Phragmites australis, Potamogeton pectinatus, Lemna minor, Ceratophyllum demersum) belong to dominants, and the rest (11.54%) is defined as subdominants of the first order. Exceptional predominance is characteristic of Ceratophyllum demersum and Phragmites australis, which acted as dominants in all studied rivers. A significant part of the rivers is characterized by a low degree of overgrowth by hydrophilous vegetation, from slightly overgrown to not overgrown. The main types of distribution of aquatic and riparian-water vegetation are belted and fragmentary. Macrophyte communities are characterized by a simplified structure (one- or two-tiered), with absolute predominance of one plant species and the presence of two to four associated species with low values of projective coverage. The results of our calculations of indices (macrophyte index for small rivers (Sm), Indice Biologique Macrophytique in Riviere (IBMR)) based on the structural parameters of macrophytes showed that the studied rivers have a satisfactory ecological status.

Culture Possibilities of Grass Carp, <i>Ctenopharyngodon idella</i>, Val., In Pens of Low Saline Brackishwater Areas Of Chilka Lake

Studies were carried out at the low saline (2-7%%) brackishwater areas of Chilka lake. Three experiments were set to explore the culture possibilities of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella in terms of growth and survival, effects of pen rearing system and control of a brackishwater weed, Potamogeton pectinatus by biological means. Three pens, having an water area of 0.5 ha each, were barricaded by knitted bomboo strips ( 5 - 1 5 111111 dia) and the space between the strips were 8 - 10 mm. The grass carp were stocked at the rate of 1200, 600 and 300 nos/ha in pens I, II and I I I , respectively, for a period of 62 days without fertilization, manuring and artificial feeding. It was noticed that the aquatic weed served as a good source of feed for the grass carp. The survival in pens I, II and III were 68.6%, 87.2% and 58.3%, respectively. The growth rate of grass carp was 1.69 g/day in pen I, 1.61 g/day in pen II and 3.6 g/day in pen III

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.

Long-term monitoring and phenological analysis of submerged aquatic vegetation in a shallow lake using time-series imagery

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is a key functional group for the restoration of wetlands and aquatic ecosystems. It plays a vital role in the stability of ecosystem structure and function in shallow lakes and reservoirs. With Baiyangdian Lake as the research area, Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI and Sentinel-2 imagery datasets were used to explore the phenological characteristics of SAV over different time scales and construct a phenological map of the SAV groups. The long-term spatial distribution characteristics and trends of SAV from 1986 to 2021 were analyzed. The results show the following: (1) the harmonic analysis of time series (HANTS) eliminated abnormal observations and noise. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series curves generated after HANTS accurately reflected the phenological characteristics of SAV. The early spring submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV1), such as Potamogeton crispus, entered the germination period in late February at the earliest (DOY = 53). The mature period ran from April to May, after which SAV1 began to decline gradually. The length of the growing season (LOS) was about 110 days. SAV2, which was represented by Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum verticillatum, and Potamogeton pectinatus, germinated in early April (DOY = 99). The mature period ran from July to September. The length of the growing season was 210 days. (2) The decision tree constructed based on the NDVI and modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) identified SAV with an accuracy of 89.7%. (3) The distribution range of the SAV changed dramatically during 1986–2021. According to the area change, it can be divided into a shrinkage period, expansion period, degeneration period, and initial period of recovery. The succession trend of SAV provide a theoretical scientific basis and technical support for the ecological restoration and management of shallow lake ecosystems.

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.

MACROPHYTES OF THE LITTORAL ZONE IN LAKES OF SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS OF THE ARKHANGELSK REGION

The article analyzes distribution of 94 species of aquatic plants in 18 lakes, different in size, origin, trophic status, hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. Macrophytes and their communities were studied in 11 large and small lakes in the Kenozersky National Park, in 2 large lakes in the Onezhskoye Pomorye National Park, and in 5 small lakes in the Pinezhsky State Nature Reserve. The eutrophic lake Porzhenskoye in the Kenozersky National Park stands out with the greatest species number, 52 species. Fewer species of macrophytes were identified in oligotrophic lakes. It is shown that the majority of aquatic plants of the Arkhangelsk Region inhabit narrow range from low to medium total dissolved solids – 54 species. Eurybiont species, occurring in a large range of total dissolved solids from 1 to 1020 mg/l, show a great species diversity – 24 species. Only 11 species tend to grow in karst lakes with elevated level of total dissolved solids from 500 to 1020 mg/l – vascular plants: Ranunculus kauffmannii, Eleocharis acicularis, E. quinqueflora, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Potamogeton obtusifolius, Stuckenia pectinata, Sparganium hyperboreum; mosses: Calliergon cordifolium, Scorpidium scorpioides; algae: Chara aspera, C. subspinosa. The majority of species in the lakes of specially protected natural areas of the Arkhangelsk Region, growing in a narrow water pH range, are neutrophytes – 31 and neutro-alkalophytes – 27. Thirteen protected species of macrophytes were discovered in the flora of lakes in the Arkhangelsk Region – Chara aspera, C. strigosa, C. subspinosa, C. virgata, Fissidens fontanus, Fontinalis dalecarlica, F. hypnoides, Isoëtes echinospora, I. lacustris, Lobelia dortmanna, Nymphaea candida, N. tetragona, Sparganium gramineum.

FOOD CONTENTS ANALYSIS OF WATERFOWL PASSING THROUGH INDUS THE RIVER AT TAUNSA, SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

A study was carried out to assess the food composition of migratory waterfowl in Bet Makwal Kalan, near the Head Taunsa Barrage, along the River Indus passage. Migratory water birds are thought to be important components in dispersal of total living entity especially seeds due to their proclivity for extensive relocations. They might be found in large numbers in the muddy sections. Migratory water birds are important components of total plant dispersal due to their proclivity for making extensive migrations. A sum of 459 gizzard samples was collected, during their Fall migration, relating to 10 Waterfowl species i.e. Northern Pintail (n=56), Eurasian Wigeon (n=17), Garganay (n=07), Mallard (n=02), Northern Shoveler (n=22), Common Teal (n=129), Gadwall (n=158), Tufted Duck (n=04), Common Pochard (n=29) and Ferruginous Duck (n=34). During their winter migration, the Waterfowl species picked plants over animals as their primary source of sustenance when travelling through Taunsa. Food research revealed that all 10 species of birds consumed large amounts of seeds. Out of ten duck species, two plant species (Naias marina and Potamogeton pusillus) consistently ranked among the top seeds ingested by six of the duck species (Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and Common Pochard). Whereas the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Ferruginous Duck have been found to consume large amounts of seeds from Potamogeton pectinatus and Poligonum spp. It was determined that molluscans and crustaceans residues were found to be well-represented in the gizzard samples of ducks. The recent study also highlighted that various vegetations play vital role in wetland ecosystems as a basic wild food provider. A larger population of migrating Waterfowl yield better findings for this study, which is currently being undertaken.

Influence of land cover indices and surface temperature on the metals bioaccumulation by three Macrophytes in Lake Burullus, Egypt

Nowadays, the importance of using macrophytes in accumulation of heavy metals has gained great concerns. So, this study aimed at extracting the land use/cover types of three indices and surface temperatures in the habitats inside 100 m buffers from recent satellite images around three highly economic macrophytes namely; Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis and Potamogeton pectinatus species. In addition to land surface temperature (LST), three important indices expressing the land cover of habitats namely; normalized different vegetation index (NDVI), normalized different water index (NDWI), and normalized different moisture index (NDMI) were extracted to find out there influence on the efficiency of macrophytes in the accumulation of these metal ions; Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. The Polynomial regression models were calculated to predict the accumulation factors of plants within the remotely sensed indices and LST. Results showed different accumulation values for individual or more metals in the below-ground and above-ground parts of macrophytes within different habitats. This study considers as an innovative approach using remote sensing technique and satellite images for the selecting of species that can accumulate more metals within different habitats. The obtained results will be useful for the optimal management of these macrophytes in Lake Burullus, a Ramsar site.

Phytoremediation potential of a few hydrophytic medicinal plants: A review

Environmental pollution is one of the explicit challenges faced globally. Pollution by heavy metal contamination is a threat to the environment and is of critical concern. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have escalated the contamination rates by heavy metals. This rapid increase resulted in different health problems inducing toxicity and damaging the proper functioning of the brain, lungs, kidney, liver, blood composition, and other vital organs. Plants have evolved particular and very efficient mechanisms to obtain essential micronutrient metals from the environment and accumulate them up to a threshold of 10-15ppm. However, certain plants categorized as "Hyper accumulators," can take up toxic metal ions at levels beyond this limit. As a result, animals and people may suffer negative impacts from bio accumulating harmful heavy metals in the biota of riverine habitats. The "life-blood of the biosphere" is water and hence these heavy metals impact the ecological well-being of aquatic systems and animal species. Water dissolves various organic and inorganic substances and environmental toxins since it is a universal solvent. Thus, it highlights the significance of ecological restoration and phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is a technology that uses plants to degrade, assimilate, metabolize, or detoxify metal and organic chemical contamination. About five phytoremediation technologies have often been employed for soil decontamination by plants: phytostabilisation, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, and phytovolatilization. Articles from databases like PubMed and Scopus were reviewed to explore the potential plants for phytoremediation. Hydrophytes can be selected over other terrestrial plants because of their enhanced capability to accumulate almost 1450-fold the concentration of heavy metals in water. Another advantage of aquatic plants' rapid growth rate is increased biomass production, high pollutant uptake ability, and more pronounced purification because of their direct contact with water. They are also helpful in regulating oxygen levels and the food cycle by acting as a food source for small fish. In addition, some widely used aquatic medicinal plants such as Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton pectinatus, Pistia stratiotes, Nelumbo nucifera, Pontederia crassipes & Bacopa monnieri were discussed. This review explores the phytoremediation potential of hydrophytic medicinal plants and through an insight to recreate and restore our ecosystem.

МАКРОФИТЫ РОДА POTAMOGETON — БИОИНДИКАТОРЫ НАКОПЛЕНИЯ ТЯЖЕЛЫХ МЕТАЛЛОВ

This work presents the investigation of the content of some heavy metals in the pondweeds of the Lower Volga River Delta within the area of Astrakhan State Biosphere Reserve. Higher aquatic plants extract chemical elements both from bottom sediments and water column. Moreover, the macrophytes, namely the representatives of Potamogeton genus, are capable of extraction and accumulation of the metals dissolved in the water, contained in the suspended colloidal particles, and present on the surface of leaves. This work is aimed at the identification of species-specific features of the typical hydatophytes—aquatic plants of Potamogeton genus—pertaining to the accumulation of heavy metals. The content of chemical elements in the investigated specimens has been identified using atomic absorption spectrometry; the results have been processed with statistical methods. It has been found that all investigated plant species accumulate iron and manganese in the highest quantities and cobalt and cadmium in the lowest. The investigated pondweed species have shown species-specific properties in the accumulation of chemical elements. Potamogeton crispus and Potamogeton lucens are found to be iron concentrating species. Potamogeton lucens also accumulates nickel, iron and manganese, and Potamogeton pectinatus accumulates chrome, cobalt and lead.