In-situ behavioural response and ecological stoichiometry adjustment of macroalgae (Characeae, Charophyceae) to iron overload: Implications for lake restoration

Eutrophication of water bodies markedly reduces their recreational and economic use, which in turn compels those interested to pursuing prompt and effective restoration. This also applies to waters with a moderate pool of biogenic resources which, following temporarily increased nutrient alimentation from the catchment area may become eutrophic. The in-situ experiment tested the impact of chemical restoration on benthic macroalgae (Chara hispida L.) found in meso-eutrophic waters. Commonly used doses of iron sulphate were applied, defined as Low - 10.8 g Fe m^-2 and High - 21.6 g Fe m^-2. It was presumed that the sudden shift of abiotic conditions of the environment will disturb growth and stoichiometry of the species. Analyses encompassed physicochemical water parameters (e.g. nutrient concentration, light availability), morphological features and elemental composition of the charophytes. Application of the coagulant caused shading of the plants and elimination of bioavailable phosphates from the water. This induced changes of behavioural ecology of the species, manifesting in elongation of the main axis and increase of the assimilation area (growth of branchlets and side-axes) as well as stoichiometric changes. It was found that shortage of phosphates in the water resulted in decreased phosphorus concentration in the thalli due to biological dilution. The increase of assimilation area and phosphorus dilution in the thalli have not been previously reported for charophytes. In this study, the qualitative transformation of the environment following application of iron as part of chemical lake restoration was evinced in significant ecological changes that adversely affected macrophytobenthos. The findings of the experiment can therefore be taken into account while planning restoration procedures, so as to preclude the risk of a negative trend of ecological changes.