How Eutrophication Promotes Exotic Aquatic Plant Invasion in the Lake Littoral Zone?

Yuan G., Sun L., Guo P., Xiao J., Meng W., Ren B., ...More

Environmental science & technology, vol.57, no.21, pp.8002-8014, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57 Issue: 21
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09486
  • Journal Name: Environmental science & technology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, ABI/INFORM, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.8002-8014
  • Keywords: aquatic plant, eutrophication, littoral zone, plant trait network
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Eutrophication and exotic species invasion are key drivers of the global loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in lakes. We selected two exotic plants (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Myriophyllum aquaticum) and two native plants (Myriophyllum spicatum and Vallisneria spinulosa) to elucidate the effect of eutrophication on exotic plant invasiveness. We found that (1) elevated nutrient favored invasion of exotic species and inhibited growth of native plants. Species combinations and plant densities of native plants had limited effects on the resistance to invasion of the exotics. (2) A. philoxeroides featured the tightest connectivity among traits, which is consistent with its high competitive ability. Although eutrophication caused physiological stress to A. philoxeroides, it could effectively regulate enzyme activity and alleviate the stress. (3) M. aquaticum possessed strong tolerance to habitat disturbance and was highly disruptive to the surrounding plants. Eutrophication will exacerbate the adverse effects of M. aquaticum on the littoral ecosystem. (4) Nutrient enrichment reduced the biomass and relative growth rates of V. spinulosa and lowered phenolics and starch contents of M. spicatum, thereby making them more susceptible to habitat fluctuations. Overall, our study highlights how eutrophication alters the invasiveness of exotic plants and the resistance of native plants in the littoral zone, which is of relevance in a world with intensified human activities.