Macrophyte nutrient removal efficiency as a solution for eutrophic lake remediation: A case study Nature Park “Palic”

Macrophytes represent important components of the aquatic ecosystem, providing ecosystem services and mediating nutrient cycling and storage. The aim of this study is to evaluate nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in aboveground and belowground biomass. The biofilter potential of these three species was evaluated in the context of the shallow eutrophic Lake Palic. Results indicate that most accumulated N is in the belowground biomass, indicating rhizomes and root system as a reservoir of nutrients supporting regrowth. While the P content is different from spatial variability and is mostly related to the concentration of phosphorus in the soil, higher concentrations of P in the underground biomass were more precisely observed in localities where the soils in the immediate vicinity are richer in phosphorus. These findings highlight the ecological function of macrophytes in nutrient cycling and their potential for phytotechnology to lower nutrient loads and sustain ecosystem services in freshwater systems.