Makrophytische Wasserpflanzen als Bioindikatoren für Belastungen von Fliessgewässer-Ökosystemen

Abstract

In this paper a survey is given of the results of investigations concerning the problems of aquatic macrophyts as indicators of running water pollution. The following results are pointed out:

• 1. Dispersion pattern of macrophytic species and communities show clear relations to the water quality. That is true as well of soft running waters of the “Oberpfälzer Wald” as of the hard calcereous fen waters.

• 2. By the mapping of macrophytic communities floristical ecological river zones can be distinguished, frequently reflecting an exact detailed classification of the water quality.

• 3. That this dispersion pattern in the river is not accidental but subject to ecological regularity could be proved by transplant experiments in running waters over a number of years.

• 4. Putting the dispersion pattern of macrophyts in relation to single chemical pollution factors (in form of ecological series) indications for the environmental demands and the resistence of the single species can be obtained. The ecological NH₄ ⁺ series in calcareous running waters indicated an ecological amplitude, differentiating within the single species.

• 5. To determine the tolerance of macrophyts towards single factors, an experimental aquarium plant was developed, in which a series of environmental influences can be controlled and varied. Determination methods for bioindication are referred to.

• 6. Finally, results of pollution experiments in aquariums ar demonstrated and their environmental significance is discussed. Submerged species show a different sensibility towards the pollution by ammonia, tensides, chlorides, heavy metals, etc.

For the investigation of the bioindication of running water macrophyts, purely descriptive investigation (mapping and measuring) are not sufficient in my opinion. Taking the descriptive results as a basis, a direct experimental laboratory programme is being developed in order to test the reaction of the single species towards single factors and combination factors. With such a working programme we hope to obtain in future exact knowledge of the ecological and physiological behaviour of individual species towards water pollution.

Gefördert von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.