The usefulness of macrophyte monitoring-systems, exemplified on eutrophication and acidification of running waters

Summary Apart from other biological methods, the mapping of submerged macrophytes is an important instrument for longterm monitoring of the quality of running waters. This type of monitoring is particulary suitable to lotie systems with lower dynamic discharge patterns resulting in a wide diversity of macrophytes. Submerged macrophytes react equally to processes of eutrophication and oligotrophication (acidification of waters) caused by man. Their high ability to persist, compared to other groups of organisms, allows for a highly integrative bioindication statement. The overall statement and high local precision achieved with a mapping of macrophytes comply with the increasingly important assessment of the integrity of the ecological system of running waters.