Response of the submerged macrophytes Vallisneria natans to snails at different densities.

The study investigated the responses of the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans (V. natans) to snails (Bellamya aeruginosa) at different densities, with changes in physiological parameters, morphology, leaf-epiphytic bacteria community and water quality parameters examined. The changes of water quality parameters (pH, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and total organic carbon (TOC)) indicated that snails secreted nutrients into water. Changes in morphological and physiological parameters (fresh weight, root length, shoot height, chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD)) demonstrated that the presence of snails were beneficial to the growth of submerged macrophytes. Microbial diversity analyses indicated that snails could decrease microbial community richness and diversity. At medium densities (340 ind. m⁻²), an increase in snail density was beneficial to the growth of submerged macrophytes. The results of this study provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the maintenance and restoration of submerged macrophytes. Image 1 • Vallisneria natans responses to snails were studied. • Snails at 340 ind. m⁻² were beneficial to the growth of Vallisneria natans. • Snails could decrease microbial community richness and diversity of leaf biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]