Impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the taxonomic, functional and phytochemical diversity of phytobenthos and macrophytes

Aquatic organisms play an essential role in biogeochemical and biological cycles. However, they are subject to increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. The diversity of organisms can be understood through taxonomic, functional and phytochemical diversity. Phytochemical diversity is an important component of functional diversity, as it influences the composition and dynamics of communities.

Until now, most studies have focused on the functional traits of marine algae, and few have looked at freshwater species. The role of different functional traits in maintaining the function of the aquatic ecosystem is not yet well documented. Similarly, there is still very little research into the relationships between the traits of aquatic autotrophic organisms, the characteristics of trophic networks and ecosystem functions, and the underlying mechanisms along river gradients. Moreover, few studies have looked at the interaction between primary producers of freshwater and higher consumers such as macroinvertebrates. Finally, the organisation of phytochemical diversity across species and ecosystems is still poorly understood and has been studied predominantly in terrestrial plants.

This research project therefore aims to study the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the taxonomic, functional and phytochemical diversity of phytobenthos and macrophytes. Multiple factors, such as hydrology, human development, altitude, nutrients and herbivores, influence the diversity of these aquatic species and will be examined. Thus, understanding the ecological rules that structure the organisation of interactions between species is a prerequisite for predicting how ecosystems react to environmental and anthropogenic changes.