Preliminary Assessment of Macrophytic Community in Qaraoun Reservoir, Lebanon

Although aquatic macrophytes have a substantial role in the structuring and productivity of fresh aquatic ecosystems, little attention has, so far, been paid to this important biological group in Qaraoun reservoir in Bekaa Valley ? Lebanon. In this study, the occurrence and taxonomic composition of macrophytes were assessed in the littoral zone of reservoir at Qaraoun and Aitanit towns. Our preliminary results revealed the first inventory of the macrophytic community of the reservoir. This community included 18 taxa including green algae and both submersed and emergent aquatic plants. The values of assessed water quality variables (pH, TDS, EC, DO, BOD, NO3-, SD and chlorophyll-a) indicated the eutrophic conditions of the surrounding aquatic habitat and high tolerance abilities of the settling macrophyte species. The protection and appropriate management of the reservoir’s macrophytes may be considered among the integrated management tools of the reservoir and restoration of its natural biota.