Influence of morphology and functional properties of floodplain water bodies on species diversity of macrophyte communities
Abstract
The present study elucidates the morphological and functional characteristics of the water bodies within the Dnipro-Orelskyi Nature Reserve and examines their influence on the species composition of macrophytes. It was determined that the diversity of functional types of water bodies – including confluent lakes, contrafluent lakes, isolated floodplain lakes, canals, and artificial rese r voirs – plays a crucial role in determining macrophyte biodiversity and in providing essential ecosystem services. Notably, confl u ent lakes exhibit the highest levels of species richness, attributable to their pronounced hydrodynamic activity, the variety of micr o habitats present, and regular water exchange, which enriches the ecosystem with nutrients. Conversely, isolated floodplain lakes demonstrate the lowest levels of diversity, primarily due to restricted exchange with the river system, eutrophication, and the acc u mulation of organic matter, which hinder the growth of various plant species. Furthermore, the morphological attributes of water bodies – such as area, depth, shoreline complexity, and axis ratio – significantly influence the species composition of macrophytes. An increase in the size of water bodies correlates with a decline in biodiversity, as competitive species become dominant and the diversity of microhabitats diminishes. Water bodies with an elongated shape and less fragmented shorelines create conditions that are less conducive to macrophyte development, thereby reducing the availability of shallow water zones and sheltered areas suit a ble for rooting. In contrast, smaller water bodies with irregular shorelines offer a greater variety of habitats, which contributes to the maintenance of high biodiversity levels. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the understanding of the role of water bodies in sustaining ecosystem services and underscore the necessity for sustainable management of natural resources. The r e search specifically highlights the consequences of alterations in the hydrological regime resulting from reservoir construction. The stabilization of water levels has diminished seasonal dynamics, thereby impacting floodplain ecosystems. The continuous presence of water in the lower regions of the floodplain, along with the absence of regular flooding, has created conditions that markedly deviate from their natural state. The study emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining hydrological dynamics to support ecosystem functions such as water balance regulation, water purification, bank stabilization, and the promotion of biodiversity. Future research should focus on analyzing the effects of seasonal and long-term changes on the structure and functioning of water bodies, evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic and climatic factors, and formulating adaptive water management strategies.References
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