2010 Volume 16 Pages 213-218
Many rivers currently suffer from ecological deterioration. Especially, flood control measures tend to decrease natural heterogeneity within river corridors and to result in the loss of ecological integrity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between habitat type and organic matter dynamics in river floodplains. Focusing on deposited leaf litter and fine particulate organic matter, we investigated eight different types of aquatic habitats (both lotic and lentic) in a floodplain in the middle reach of the Tagliamento River, northeast Italy. Based on statistical analyses and source estimation of organic matter, its dynamics both in quantity and chemical quality were found to be closely related to flow condition of floodplain habitats. Further, high species diversity in floodplains is possible to be supported by complex organic matters dynamics which are determined by physical flow condition and primary production.
