The isoetid environment: biogeochemistry and threats
Smolders, A.J.P.; Lucassen, E.C.H.E.T.; Roelofs, J.G.M. (2002). The isoetid environment: biogeochemistry and threats. Aquat. Bot. 73(4): 325-350
In: Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-3770; e-ISSN 1879-1522, more
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| Keywords |
Acidification
Chemistry > Geochemistry > Biogeochemistry
Eutrophication
Flora > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic plants
Water bodies > Inland waters > Lakes > Oligotrophic lakes
Littorella uniflora; Lobelia dortmanna
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| Authors | | Top |
- Smolders, A.J.P.
- Lucassen, E.C.H.E.T.
- Roelofs, J.G.M.
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| Abstract |
Isoetid species are small, slow-growing, evergreen water plants with thick, stiff leaves or stems that form basal rosettes and have a proportionally large below ground biomass. Isoetids often dominate carbonate poor (weakly buffered) and nutrient poor (oligotrophic) water and are characterized by a (very) slow growth rate. The special adaptations to oligotrophic conditions enable them to grow where other plants are unable to thrive. The high porosity of the plants as a whole and the permeability of the roots in combination with the very low permeability of the leaves enable the efficient use of carbon dioxide from the sediment and also the oxidation of the sediment. The oxidation of the sediments helps them to create and maintain oligotrophic conditions. The processes involved are discussed in this review. Acidification and eutrophication, which are also discussed, are the most important threats for these systems. |
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