Charophyte variation in sensitivity to eutrophication affects their potential for the trophic and ecological status indication

Charophytes (stoneworts) form a group of macrophytes that are considered sensitive to eutrophication. The high indicator value charophytes toward eutrophication results in their wide use the bioassessment systems. I explored variability stonewort communities' requirements for trophic conditions lowland temperate lakes and attempted determine role individual syntaxa assessing ecological status Poland. position charophyte niches along gradient was analysed using Outlying Mean Index approach. A few communities, i.e. , Nitelletum opacae, N. mucronatae, flexilis Charetum filiformis appeared be specialised concerning water quality may indicators habitats less eutrophic than “mean” study domain. Most communities were relatively common European waters. Four them, tomentosae, C. asperae, contrariae Nitellopsidetum obtusae can classified as ‘generalists’ with low marginality broad tolerance. range classes. In case 15 6 25% occurrences observed representing good status, they cannot indicative conditions. However, taxonomic diversity extensive phytolittoral zone most likely occur when phytocoenoses stoneworts present. naturally inhabited by eurytopic species, extraordinary assessment interpreted through significant contribution development littoral.