engleski

Long-term studies on microphytes in the Danube floodplain of Kopački Rit (Croatia)

The floodplain of Kopački Rit is one of the largest preserved and internationally significant natural floodplains in the middle Danube basin. Due to the preserved natural flood dynamics, the floodplain is characterized by great heterogeneity of habitats, which provides favorable conditions for the survival of many plant and animal species. Microphytes (cyanobacteria and algae) are not only primary producers and the basis of aquatic food chains but are also particularly important for monitoring ecological changes in floodplain microbiotopes. Microphyte communities, both phytoplankton and periphyton, have been studied continuously for several decades (since the 1970s). The results obtained indicate a high biological diversity – to date, more than 600 taxa of microphytes have been recorded. Flooding dynamics and intensity were identified as the most important factors for the development of microphyte communities. Occasional occurrence of pronounced cyanobacterial blooms with massive development of invasive taxa contributes to natural eutrophication of floodplains. Recent research has focused on the development of a national system for assessing the ecological status of inland waters based on the results of monitoring phytoplankton and phytobenthos in different types of freshwater biotopes along the floodplain. In addition, initial steps have been taken to apply DNA metabarcoding of microphytes in the environment as an additional method to morphology-based approaches. The results of the microphyte research are permanently used to define water protection measures in the Kopački Rit floodplain.

Kopački Rit ; floodplain ; phytoplankton ; periphyton

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