Effects of sediment and its re-suspension on the growth of Vallisneria asiatica Miki

Aquatic macrophytic growth and its distribution in eutrophic lakes are described in relation to its sediment type and irradiance. Hence, it is necessary to characterize the response of macrophytic growth to lake sediment and its re-suspension. We conducted two independent experiments to measure the effects of sediment and its re-suspension on the growth of Vallisneria asiatica Miki. Based on our study, we conclude that the amount of total biomass of V. asiatica is related, in important ways, to the type of sediment and its re-suspension. According to our comparison, plants and biomass cultured on lake sediments are 2.1 times and 1.5 times greater than that on brown clay from nearby places beside Lake Taihu. The number of plants and the amount of biomass in a turbid water column are smaller than those in a clear water column. The results indicate that the nutrient-rich lake sediments have promoted the growth of V. asiatica, while the re-suspension of the sediment leads to a high turbid level and low light penetration which has a negative impact on the growth of V. asiatica.