• Title/Summary/Keyword: Macrophytes

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Inhibition of Submerged Macrophytes on Phytoplankton I. Field Evidence for Submerged Macrophyte Inhibition on Phytoplankton Biomass

  • Joo, Sung-Bae;Ji, Young-Jung;Park, Sang-Kyu
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.511-519
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    • 2007
  • It is known that phytoplankton biomass or turbidity are lower in waters with submerged macrophytes than those without submerged plants at a given nutrient level. We hypothesize that presence of submerged macrophytes would lower phytoplankton biomass below levels expected by total phosphorus levels through various mechanisms and that phytoplankton biomass would decrease more as the biomass increase of the submerged macrophytes. To find submerged macrophytes effectively lowering phytoplankton growth, we conducted spatial field surveys at 21 water bodies and a temporal monitoring at Seung-un 1 Reservoir, Anmyyeondo Island. We measured chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations from waters in patches of submerged macrophytes with measurements of submerged plant biomass. Majority of our sites with submerged macrophytes showed much less chlorophyll a concentrations than the predicted ones from literature. Among submerged macrophytes studied, Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata showed patterns of lowering chlorophyll ${\alpha}/TP$ ratios with increase of their biomass in both spatial and temporal surveys.

The role of macrophytes in wetland ecosystems

  • Rejmankova, Eliska
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.34 no.4
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    • pp.333-345
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    • 2011
  • Aquatic macrophytes, often also called hydrophytes, are key components of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. This review is to briefly summarizes various macrophyte classifications, and covers numerous aspects of macrophytes' role in wetland ecosystems, namely in nutrient cycling. The most widely accepted macrophyte classification differentiates between freely floating macrophytes and those attached to the substrate, with the attached, or rooted macrophytes further divided into three categories: floating-leaved, submerged and emergent. Biogeochemical processes in the water column and sediments are to a large extent influenced by the type of macrophytes. Macrophytes vary in their biomass production, capability to recycle nutrients, and impacts on the rhizosphere by release of oxygen and organic carbon, as well as their capability to serve as a conduit for methane. With increasing eutrophication, the species diversity of wetland macrophytes generally declines, and the speciose communities are being replaced by monoculture-forming strong competitors. A similar situation often happens with invasive species. The roles of macrophytes and sediment microorganisms in wetland ecosystems are closely connected and should be studied simultaneously rather than in isolation.

Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in the Lttoral Zone of Lake Platangho, Korea (팔당호 연안대에서 대형수생식물의 분포)

  • Cho, Kang-Hyun;Kim, Joon-Ho
    • The Korean Journal of Ecology
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.435-442
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    • 1994
  • In the littoral zone of Lake Paltangho, a vegetation map of aquatic macrophytes was constructed to estimate their occupied area, and the change of abundance of submersed macrophytes was examined along water depth to elucidate niche perferences on the depth gradient. Total area of the littoral zone was 267 ha, of which submersed, emergent and floating-leaved macrophytes covered 155ha, 103 ha and 10ha, respectively. Submersed macrophytes were distributed within a water-depth of 2.5m, with an apparent pattern of zonation: Vallisnaria gigantea and Ceratophyllum demersum at the deeper water depth of 1.5~2.5m.

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Inhibition of Aquatic Vascular Plants on Phytoplankton Growth II. Algal Growth Experiments with Water and Plant Extracts from Submerged Macrophytes

  • Nam, Sung-Jin;Park, Sang-Kyu
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.520-526
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    • 2007
  • To select submerged macrophytes to suppress growth of Microcystis aeruginosa through releasing allelochemicals, we conducted growth experiments with water from patches of submerged macrophytes and with aqueous extracts of those submerged macrophytes. In the first experiment, growth rates of M. aeruginosa decreased as biomass of Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata increased. In the second experiment, M. aeruginosa showed approximately 50% growth reduction with extracts from M. spicatum and 24% reduction with extracts from Ottelia alismoides. Both M. aeruginosa growth experiments with water and plant extracts suggest that M. spicatum would be the best candidate to reduce M. aeruginosa growth.

Distribution and attachment characteristics of Sida crystallina (O.F. Müller, 1776) in lentic freshwater ecosystems of South Korea

  • Choi, Jong-Yun;Jeong, Kwang-Seuk;Kim, Seong-Ki;Son, Se-Hwan;Joo, Gea-Jae
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.40 no.1
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    • pp.45-54
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    • 2016
  • Background: Macrophytes are commonly utilised as habitat by epiphytic species; thus, complex macrophyte structures can support high diversities and abundances of epiphytic species. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of aquatic macrophytes is an important factor determining Sida crystallina (O.F. Muller, 1776) distribution. Results: An ecological survey was conducted in 147 lentic freshwater bodies. S. crystallina was frequently observed, and its density was strongly associated with macrophyte abundance. S. crystallina was found on emergent plant species such as Phragmites australis and Paspalum distichum, attached to the stem surfaces by adhesive substances secreted by the nuchal organ. Thus, S. crystallina was more strongly attached to macrophytes than to other epiphytic cladoceran species. We found higher densities of S. crystallina in filtered water with increased macrophyte shaking effort (i.e. 10, 20, 40, or 80 times). S. crystallina attachment was not related to fish predation. Stable isotope analysis showed that S. crystallina utilises epiphytic organic matter (EOM) on macrophytes as a food source. Conclusions: Consequently, S. crystallina seems to have a strong association with species-specific macrophyte biomass than with other cladoceran species, which may contribute to this species' predominance in various freshwater ecosystems where macrophytes are abundant.

Comparisons of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Capacity of Four Macrophytes

  • Lee, Jeom-Sook;Ihm, Byung-Sun;Kim, Jong-Wook;Lee, Seung-Ho
    • The Korean Journal of Ecology
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.163-167
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    • 2000
  • To evaluate the water purification capacity of 4 emergent macrophytes in 4 tributaries of Mankyung River, nitrate reductase activity (NRA) and nutrient removal capacity were determined. Higher NRA occurred in emergent macrophytes such as Persicaria thunbergii and Oenanthe iavanica with 7.8 and 5.4 ${\mu}$moi NO$_2$ g$^{-1}$d.wt. h$^{-1}$. respectively. The nitrogen removal capacity of emergent macrophytes displaying higher NRA fell within the range of 0.85 to 1.95 mg g$^{-1}$d.wt. day$^{-1}$ and was higher in the order Phragmites communis > Persicaria thunbergii > Oenanthe iavanica > Zizania latifolia. The phosphorus removal capacity was within the range of 0.07 to 0.12 mg g$^{-1}$d.wt. day$^{-1}$ and was higher in the order Phragmites communis > Oenanthe iavanica > Persicaria thunbergii > Zizania latifolia. In all the domestic, industrial and agricultural wastewaters, Phragmites communis showed the highest nitrogen and phosphorus removal capacity; 1.36 and 0.0088 mg g$^{-1}$d.wt. day$^{-1}$ respectively. Among the 4 macrophytes. Phragmites communis was the most suitable species for water purification in 4 tributaries of Mankyung River.

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A Comparative Study on Litter Decomposition of Emergent Macrophytes in the Littoral Zone of Reservoir

  • Jo, Kang-Hyun;Gong, Hak-Yang
    • Animal cells and systems
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    • v.2 no.3
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    • pp.333-339
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    • 1998
  • Litter decomposition is a key process in energy flow and nutrient cycling in the freshwater littoral zone, and is regulated by physicochemical properties of litters. Using a litterbag method, we compared the decomposition rates of 16 different litter types from 10 plant species of the emergent macrophytes for one year in the littoral zone of the Paltangho Reservoir, Korea. The regression analysis fitted to the various decomposition models showed that mass loss of the litters with time best fitted an asymptotic function. The litters of the emergent macrophytes were composed of two compartments, labile and refractory. The macrophytic litters showed a great variety in decomposition dynamics depending on sources of litters. The labile compartment of the initial litter mass was in a wide range between 18% and 99%, and their decomposition rates varied from 0.0037 to 0.0131 day-1. The decomposition processes of the emergent macrophytes were determined by the relative amounts of the labile and refractory compartments and by the decomposition rate of the habile one in the littoral zone.

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Effect of Algal Bloom Control Using the Mesocosms Installed with Zooplankton, Fishes, Aquatic Macrophytes and Artificial Marshy Land in Kyungan Stream (경기도 경안천에 설치한 메소코즘 내에서의 동물플랑크톤, 어류, 수생식물, 인공식물섬에 의한 조류저감효과 연구)

  • Song, Mi-Ae;Kong, Dong-Soo;Lee, Ok-Min
    • Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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    • v.29 no.5
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    • pp.641-647
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    • 2013
  • We installed mesocosms including zooplankton, fishs, artificial marshy land and aquatic macrophytes in Kyoungan stream to study the reduction effects of algae from Sep. 16 to Oct. 28, 2011. The control tendency of phytoplankton taxa was compared by analyzing community structure and dominant species in each mesocosm. Under the condition where Bluegill was absent, Daphnia similoides showed good effect of algal control since it has large food area and has high grazing pressure. Bluegill selectively preys upon large zooplankton, Daphnia similoides, as it also preys on small zooplanktons that flow in. In condition that Bluegill was absent, Daphnia similoides preyed selectively large phytoplankton (Cryptomonas ovata). Due to the shading of light, removal of nutrients and providing refuge for small zooplanktons, aquatic macrophytes and artificial marshy land showed high level of algal control. In corrals with aquatic macrophytes and artificial marshy land, the dominancy of genus Coelastrum and Pediastrum, which are difficult for small zooplanktons to feed on, relatively increased. In conclusion, under conditions of small number of predators such as Bluegill, Daphnia similoides is thought to be useful in algal bloom; however, when lots of predators are present, using small sized zooplanktons along with artificial marshy land and aquatic macrophytes is thought to be more useful than using large zooplanktons.

Distribution, Vegetation Structure and Biomass of Submerged Macrophytes in a Small Agricultural Reservoir, Keumpoong Reservoir, Korea (소형 농업 저수지인 금풍저수지에서 침수식물의 분포, 식생구조 및 생물량)

  • Kim, Ki-Hwan;Jin, Seung-Nam;Cho, Hyung-Jin;Cho, Kang-Hyun
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.45 no.1
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    • pp.52-61
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    • 2012
  • Distribution, abundance and biomass of submerged macrophytes were assessed using a double-headed rake and an echo-sounder in the Keumpoong Reservoir to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of submerged macrophytes in a small agricultural reservoir located upstream. Slope steepness and water depth in the littoral zone were important controlling factors on flora and vegetation structure of submerged macrophytes. Biodiversity of submerged macrophytes was increased at a gentle slope of the littoral zone. The results of DCA (detrended correspondence analysis) showed that the structure of submerged vegetation depended on the depth of water. Submerged macrophytes were distributed at the maximum water depth of 2.8 m in the Keumpoong Reservoir. The area occupied by the submerged macrophytes was estimated at only 6% of the total reservoir area because of the steep slope of the littoral zone and the large annual water-level fluctuation of 3.5 m. The increase of water level and inflow of turbid water in the rainy season might reduce the biomass of submerged macrophytes in the reservoir. It may be concluded that submerged vegetation in the Keumpoong Reservoir, a small agricultural reservoir located at the upstream, appears to be particularly susceptible to water level fluctuations and slope steepness of the littoral zone.

Selection of Suitable Plants for Artificial Floating Islands - Comparisons of Vegetation Structure and Growth of Four Emergent Macrophytes (인공 식물섬에 적합한 식물의 선발 - 4종 정수식물의 식생구조와 생장의 비교)

  • Lee, Hyo Hye Mi;Kwon, Oh Byung;Suck, Jeong Hyun;Cho, Kang-Hyun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.57-66
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    • 2001
  • The floating islands have been constructed for the water quality improvement and the biodiversity conservation in an disturbed aquatic ecosystem. We made floating islands consisted of a special float and substrates of coconut fibers implanted with four emergent macrophytes such as Phragmites australis, Zizania latifolia, Iris pseudoacorus, Typha angustifolia. Vegetation structure and plant growth were compared between on the floating islands and on ground in order to select suitable plants for the construction of floating islands. Emergent-macrophytic vegetation on the floating islands showed lower coverages and higher plant biodiversity due to natural introduction of various hydrophytes and hygrophytes. Shoot density was increased on floating islands except for Zizania latifolia. From the point of coverage and density of plants, Phragmites australis and Iris pseudoacorus were suitable for floating islands. Total biomass of emergent macrophytes was decreased on the floating islands. The belowground/aboveground biomass ratio of floating islands was higher than that of the ground. Out of planted macrophytes, Iris pseudoacorus with a high belowground/aboveground biomass ratio could be evaluated a suitable plant for the floating islands because a plenty of its root is profitable to adapt with the nutrient-limited environment of floating islands.

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