Condition - Organic Matter

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 (i.e. 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.

Physical-chemical state indicators Condition indicator: ambient dissolved oxygen Condition indicator: minimum sustained dissolved oxygen values during the days following an inflow event

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 (i.e. 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 as mass mortality events.

Biological impact indicators Condition indicator: number of mass mortality events caused by low dissolved oxygen