Influence of eco‐hydrological factors on aquatic plant succession in a regulated river: a case study of the Petchburi River,Thailand |
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| Authors: | Pichasit Sangmek Charumas Meksumpun |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | Monitoring of aquatic plant biomass in the Petchburi River, a regulated river system in Thailand, was carried out together with the examination of eco‐hydrological characters and the sedimentary organic content. The surveys were performed during May, August and November of 2010 and 2011. The results indicated temporal variation in water velocity (0.08–2.51 m/s) and medium to low organic levels (0.58–4.68%) of the benthic substrates. Dominant aquatic plants were Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle and Potamogeton malaianus Miq. with the highest biomass of 70.84 and 182.72 g/m2, respectively. The biomass was substantially decreased during the flood‐induced discharge period. This study indicates that Potamogeton has more adaptive potential to high water velocities than Hydrilla, while Hydrilla prefers lower water velocities. Discharge velocities of less than 0.5 m/s could provide positive growth rates of such submerged plants. Approaching the discharge control from this ecological point of view can further contribute to river habitat conservation. |
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| Keywords: | aquatic plant succession biomass Petchburi River river habitat conservation sedimentary organic matter water velocity |
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