Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Nutrient release during the decomposition of submerged macrophyte (Hydrilla verticillata)

Author(s):

Bo Wang *, Fayun Li, Zhiping Fan

Recieved Date: 2013-07-03, Accepted Date: 2013-09-30

Abstract:

The decaying process of submerged macrophytes (Hydrilla verticillata) and the nutrient release during this process were investigated in simulating condition. The results indicated that 57.04% of the initial dry weight remained in the case of perforated litter bags. Hydrilla verticillata has the stage change of quality. When the decaying rates between decay periods were compared, maximal rates were observed in the first 7 days. The rates gradually slowed down afterwards. The release of phosphorus and nitrogen also had the stage change. Compared with the initial plant tissue phosphorus  was reduced by 64.81%, and nitrogen by 71.59%. The release of nitrogen and phosphorus was significantly higher in the early than the middle and late period. TN and TP content increased first and then decreased in the water, while N and P content continued to rise in the sediment. TP was redistributed in overlying water, plants and sediments. At the end of the experiment, Hydrilla verticillata released  most of phosphorus into the sediment, and the part of N in sediment can be decomposed to N₂O and NO₂ by microorganisms. During decomposition of the studied macrophytes, ρ(NO₃-N) decreased first and then increased in the water. Submerged macrophyte decomposition can generate an anaerobic environment which could promote denitrification. The restoration and reconstruction of submerged plants is a better way of improving water quality, but lake management must control the submerged plant residue biomass and timely harvest it. This will avoid excessive plant residue decomposition which has a negative impact on the water environment.

Keywords:

Aquatic macrophytes, decomposition, nitrogen, nutrient dynamics and phosphorus

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2013
Volume: 11
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 2567-2572

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