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Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
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Submerged Macrophytes Exhibit Different Phosphorus Stoichiometric Homeostasis
Wei Li1, Yujie Li1, Jiayou Zhong2
1Jiangxi Provincial Engineering Research Center of Water Engineering Safety and Resources Efficient Utilization, Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|August 31, 2018
Summary
Submerged macrophytes absorb phosphorus (P), a key nutrient in aquatic ecosystems. Their P content and homeostasis vary by species and environment, with Hydrilla verticillata being most effective for rapid P removal.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) is a critical limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems, and excess P can cause harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
- Submerged macrophytes are vital for aquatic ecosystem health due to their P absorption capabilities, but their P content regulation is not fully understood.
- Understanding P dynamics in macrophytes is crucial for managing eutrophication and water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stoichiometric characteristics and P homeostasis of three submerged macrophytes under varying nutrient conditions and growth times.
- To identify factors influencing P content and homeostasis in submerged macrophytes.
- To assess the potential of different species for P removal from aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted on Vallisneria natans, Hydrilla verticillata, and Ceratophyllum demersum.
- Plants were exposed to different nutrient levels and growth times.
- Phosphorus content, stoichiometric characteristics, and homeostasis index (Hp) were analyzed in aboveground and belowground tissues.
Main Results:
- Increased nutrient levels significantly elevated water conductivity, turbidity, and chlorophyll content.
- Species, organ, growth time, and nutrient level significantly affected macrophyte P content, with nutrient levels contributing over 50% of the variance.
- Belowground P homeostasis was higher than aboveground; homeostasis decreased with growth time, and Vallisneria natans showed higher homeostasis than the other species.
- Hydrilla verticillata demonstrated rapid growth and high P accumulation, indicating suitability for short-term P removal.
Conclusions:
- Submerged macrophyte P homeostasis reflects environmental responses and P bioavailability.
- Hydrilla verticillata is a promising species for efficient, short-term removal of excess phosphorus from aquatic ecosystems.
- Macrophyte P content serves as a valuable indicator for assessing external P bioavailability.
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