Razporeditev vodnih makrofitov v dveh vodotokih kraške reke Ljubljanice, Obrh in Rak
Distribution of macrophytes in two tributaries of the karstic River Ljubljanica, Obrh and Rak

english

2024

volume 65, iss. 2

karst   macrophytes   RCE method

Slovenska akademija znanosti in umetnosti (SAZU)
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Rivers are spatially and temporally heterogeneous systems that are susceptible to changes due to anthropogenic influences. These can significantly alter water quality and river communities, including macrophytes, which are involved in nutrient cycling, energy flow and sedimentation processes, and provide habitats for other organisms. The presence, abundance, and distribution of macrophytes can thus serve as indicators of the state of aquatic ecosystems. Rivers that flow (partially) underground are particularly susceptible to (human) impacts from the hinterland due to their lower self-purification capacity. Using a modified RCE (a Riparian, Channel, and Environmental Inventory) method, we classified the Rak River as first or second RCE quality class, and the Obrh River as second or third RCE quality class. According to the River Macrophyte Index (RMI), the ecological status of both rivers was moderate, good or very good, except for the first section of the Obrh, the status of which was assessed as poor. The ecomorphological preservation of both rivers and suitable conditions for macrophyte growth contribute to the high species diversity observed in both rivers: a total of 36 taxa were recorded in the Obrh and 38 in the Rak. In the latter, the presence of Myriophyllum verticillatum L. was recorded for the first time at the time of our sampling. Almost one third of the species in each of the rivers are listed on the Slovenian Red list of threatened pteridophytes and seed plants, supporting the evidence of their high naturalness and emphasizing the importance of appropriate management of karst watercourses.

18.03.2025