THE ROLE OF EMERGENT AQUATIC MACROPHYTES IN THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE OF SHALLOW LAKES

Abstract

The phosphorus cycle is one of the biogeochemical cycles that has been more altered in the last decades due to strong antropic activity, being domestic sewage the main responsible in this process. The discussion of the emergent macrophytes role as mediators of a net transport of phosphorus from sediment to the water column (‘Phosphorus pump') or as net sinks of phosphorus becomes relevant for the phosphorus cycle understanding in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this review is to discuss the main responsible mechanisms for phosphorus transference in emergent macrophytes and its consequences to the phosphorus cycle in shallow lakes.