Aquatic Plants (often termed Macrophytes) are an important component of freshwater systems, providing a source of food and shelter for a wide range of organisms, whilst adding aesthetic value to wetland areas. In certain situations, their influence may be undesirable, such as by impeding water flow leading to flooding. Their en-masse decay can also cause river deoxygenation and subsequent fish kills in nutrient-enriched rivers.
Aquatic plants are known to respond to a large number of environmental factors including (but not limited to) the rate and variability of water flow, alkalinity, substrate, shading, and nutrient concentrations. The responsiveness of these plants to factors that are strongly influenced by anthropogenic activity can make them useful as indicators of river quality.
For more information on our aquatic services please contact us on 029 2065 0331.
