engleski

Microphytes in the floodplain area of Kopački Rit

Microphytes (algae and cyanobacteria) are found in all aquatic ecosystems in different trophic conditions. They occur in the water column as phytoplankton, as well as attached to different types of substrates (e.g. sediments, stones, woody debris, macrophytes, artificial substrates) forming periphyton. The substrate type, seasonal and hydrological conditions as well as limnological parameters of the aquatic biotope have been recognized as the most critical factors influencing periphyton development and structure. Periphyton is particularly well developed in floodplain areas due to high nutrient availability and the diversity of natural substrates (e.g. woody debris). Kopački Rit Nature Park is a part of the natural Danubian floodplain, one of the most preserved floodplain areas in the Danube River Basin. Permanent water habitats, such as shallow lakes, river side arms and natural channels have a high diversity of microphytes, among which, diatoms, green algae and cyanobacteria are usually the most abundant. Flooding dynamics is a major environmental factor structuring microphyte communities in these aquatic biotopes. High flood pulse causes a decrease in phytoplankton abundance leading to the development of taxa characteristic for the mixed environment. At the same time, periphyton biomass reaches peak levels with the predominance of diatoms with low to medium resistance to physical disturbance. Microphytes are important primary producers, significant contributors to carbon fixation and nutrient cycling, and a valuable food source for different organisms at higher trophic levels. Accordingly, microphytes are good indicators of changes occurring in aquatic environments representing one of the main quality elements for the assessment of the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems according to the European regulation. Thus, continuous research focused on microphyte ecology in rare and endangered river-floodplain systems are necessary.

algae, cyanobacteria, periphyton, phytoplankton, Kopački Rit

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