Effects of sediment resuspension on the growth of submerged plants

The effects of sediment resuspension on the growth of two submerged macrophytes Vallisneria natans and Potomogeton malaianus were investigated by using a simulated experiment, which lasted for 10 weeks. The results showed that the biomass of Vallisneria natans in the treatments with artificial sediment resuspension was significantly lower than that in the controls without sediment resuspension, and the artificial sediment resuspension significantly reduced the number of tillers and tubers of Vallisneria natans. Sediment resuspension also have negative effect on Potomogeton malaianus, but with a less degree comparing with its effect on Vallisneria natans. Our study indicated that sediment resuspension has a negative effect on submerged macrophytes, and such effect differs among different species.