Publication
Title
How do macrophyte distribution patterns affect hydraulic resistances?
Author
Abstract
In eutrophic river systems, macrophytes attain high biomass with reduced drainage and increased flooding risk. To avoid these problems, water managers remove vegetation. Total removal, however, increases wash out of macro-invertebrate communities reducing the ecological value of rivers. Partial vegetation removal reduces this washout and prevents an increase in hydraulic resistance. In this, study the hydraulic performance of three partial vegetation removal patterns was tested. From the results it was seen that hydraulic resistance, expressed as Manning's n, was varying between 0.025 m−1/3 s and 0.050 m−1/3 s. Compared with the empty situation, the different distribution patterns increased resistance between 14 and 23%. Hydraulic resistance of these patterns was also significantly influenced by the species present in the vegetation patches. Three groups of macrophyte plants (emerged, floating leaved and submerged) with significantly different hydraulic resistances were determined. The emerged species Sparganium erectum generated the least resistance with an average friction of 0.03 m−1/3 s. Stuckenia pectinata and Potamogeton natans had slightly higher friction values around 0.4 m−1/3 s. Ranunculus penicillatus and Callitriche platycarpa had average friction values around 0.05 m−1/3 s. The proposed vegetation removal patterns are good alternatives to create a management system, which minimally increases hydraulic resistance but still guarantees the ecological functions.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2011
ISSN
0925-8574
DOI
10.1016/J.ECOLENG.2010.12.018
Volume/pages
37 :3 (2011) , p. 529-533
ISI
000288043000015
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.02.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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