Macrophyte-mediated regulation of nutrient loading and sediment dynamics in a eutrophic highland lake
Aquatic macrophytes are key regulators of internal nutrient cycling and sediment dynamics in shallow eutrophic lakes, but data from tropical highland systems remain scarce. This study examined how macrophyte stands influence water quality, organic matter distribution, and sediment fluxes in Lake Arekit, Ethiopia. Four contrasting sites (open water, agriculture-influenced shore, lodge-influenced shore, and a macrophyte?dominated littoral zone) were sampled for nutrients, organic fractions in surface sediments, trapped and suspended particulates, and daily sedimentation and resuspension rates. The macrophyte-dominated site showed markedly lower concentrations of ammonium (63.5 ?g L?¹), nitrate (3.9 ?g L?¹), soluble reactive phosphorus (4.1 ?g L?¹), silica (4.8 mg L?¹), turbidity (83 NTU), and chlorophyll-a (32 ?g L?¹) than the open, lodge, and agricultural sites, while total phosphorus remained uniformly high. Surface sediments beneath macrophytes had the highest organic matter content (5.27%), whereas open-water and agricultural sites showed higher organic fractions in trapped and suspended material, suggesting stronger mixing and delayed particle burial. Lake?wide, organic matter declined consistently from surface sediments to trap?collected material and then to suspended solids. Sediment dynamics differed sharply among sites. The macrophyte zone had the highest sedimentation rate (4.34 g DW m?² d?¹) and the lowest resuspension (0.12 g DW m?² d?¹), indicating efficient particle trapping and stabilization. In contrast, open water showed lower sedimentation (2.44 g DW m?² d?¹) but high resuspension (1.79 g DW m?² d?¹), with agricultural and lodge areas intermediate. Overall, macrophyte beds in Lake Arekit act as localized clear?water patches that dampen hydrodynamic disturbance, limit internal nutrient recycling, reduce turbidity, and enhance organic matter retention, highlighting their central role in eutrophication management in tropical highland lakes.
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