The Nutrient Dynamics of a Submersed Macrophyte Community in a Stream Ecosystem Dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus L.

The nutrient dynamics of a submersed macrophyte community dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus L. in a stream receiving sewage effluent was studied for one calendar year. A mass balance approach demonstrated that this plant community was unimportant (less than 1%) to annual N, P and K dynamics. In addition, these nutrients did not limit macrophyte productivity. Tissue nutrient concentrations for three nutrients examined averaged: N (4.16%), P (0.723%), and K (1.66%). Tissue nutrient concentrations were above critical concentrations. Macrophytes were not a significant seasonal reservoir of nutrients, with daily community uptake rates always less than 5% of daily nutrient loading rates.