Organic matter – State

Organic matter – State

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• Pressures
• Management response
• State
• Vulnerability

Physical-chemical state Changes to the organic matter load entering a wetland can affect organic matter concentrations in the water.

The breakdown of organic matter can result in low dissolved oxygen (e.g. hypoxia or anoxia) in the water (eutrophication). Sediment oxygen demand is higher when production is higher. Algal (both macroalgae and microalgae) blooms and increased plant growth occur in areas with increased nutrients and high light availability.

Biological impacts Changes to the organic matter concentrations in the water of a wetland can result in: eutrophication a loss of sensitive species.

The breakdown of organic matter can result in low dissolved oxygen (e.g. hypoxia or anoxia) in the water (eutrophication). Animals that are sensitive to low dissolved oxygen and cannot move to areas with better conditions may die, often in mass mortality events.

Last updated: 22 March 2013