Aquatic and shoreline vegetation of Lake Nubia, Sudan

The paper reports on the flora along the banks of Lake Nubia and the long-term changes that have taken place since the formation of the Aswan High Dam (AHD) Lake about 40 years ago. Both aquatic and shoreline vegetation were studied in 15 transects located across the lake, from Debeira (337.5 km south of the Aswan High Dam), to the Dal Cataract (500 km south of AHD). Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, electric conductivity and turbidity were measured in the field. Water and hydrosoil samples were collected and analysed for phosphates, nitrates, sulphates, carbonates, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, and silicates. The shoreline was classified into four moisture segments depending on the period of inundation, namely: wet (frequently inundated and recently exposed); moist (periodically inundated); semi-dry (rarely inundated); and dry (never inundated). Plants characterising each segment have been identified. Factors affecting the distribution of aquatic macrophytes in Lake Nubia were analysed using canonical correspondence analysis. Temporal and spatial variations of the shoreline vegetation were revealed.