Transplanting macrophytes as a rehabilitation technique for lowland streams and their influence on macroinvertebrate assemblages

Lowland streams are usually affected by river engineering works that produce the loss of habitat heterogeneity. Our aim was to assess transplantation macrophytes with different complexity into a lowland stream which dredged and widened. Stuckenia pectinata Hydrocleys nymphoides were collected at an extraction site installed transplant site. The growth coverage beds quantified. Taxonomic richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, abundance, composition proportion functional feeding groups macroinvertebrate assemblage presented in macrophyte assessed between sites species. both did not differ significantly transplanted increased, therefore they established within short period. Regarding assemblage, only show differences sites. Moreover, predators same site, H. having higher proportion. study showed this technique is suitable for reintroducing these species applicable rehabilitation projects promote restoration heterogeneity deteriorated works. Also, we highlight importance incorporate traits ecological status after rehabilitation.