Title：
The diverse tolerance capacities of submerged macrophytes to high urea-N concentrations
Authors：
853:2695-2709
Corresponding
Author：
Elive Limunga Linda, Ling Xian, Samuel Wamburu Muthui, Wyckiliffe Ayoma Ochieng, Clarice Amani Kombe, Yu Peng*, Fan Liu*
Pubyear：
2026
Title of
Journal：
Hydrobiologia
Paper
Code：
Volume：
853
Number：
Page：
2695-2709
Others：
Classification：
Source：
Abstract：
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth, and its extensive application in fertilizers has dramatically boosted agricultural productivity. However, excessive fertilizer application and increased nitrogen discharge from other sources have led to rising urea-nitrogen (N) concentrations in inland waters. This study tested the effects of varying urea-N concentrations on the physiological performance, nitrogen distribution, and tolerance mechanisms of six submerged macrophytes: Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Egeria densa, Cabomba caroliniana, Hydrilla verticillata, and Potamogeton wrightii. H. verticillata exhibited the highest sensitivity, experiencing significant reductions in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and total chlorophyll contents as urea-N concentration increased. In contrast, M. spicatum showed strong tolerance, thriving in high urea-N concentrations of 50 mg/L while maintaining stable Fv/Fm levels. While the study identified various tolerance and adaptive mechanisms among these species, the broader ecological implications of these differences remain underexplored. This study raises the question: how do the differing tolerance levels of submerged macrophytes to high urea-N influence their ecological roles in freshwater ecosystems? Ultimately, this investigation highlights the diverse capacities of submerged macrophytes to tolerate urea-nitrogen enrichment, providing valuable insights into their ecological roles and their potential in managing eutrophic aquatic environments.
Copyright 2002 - 2023 Wuhan Botanical Garden,Chinese Academy Of
Sciences
Email: wbgoffice@wbgcas.cn ICP: 05004779-1
