Based on the experimental design proposed in similar studies, macromorphological and ecological traits of common reed beds were analysed at Lake Chiusi (Central Italy), together with selected chemical parameters in sediments and interstitial waters and aerial images of the site, in order to investigate reed decline and search for possible correlations among data. Typical symptoms of the reed dieback syndrome were detected, thus enlarging the occurrence of this phenomenon in southern Europe. Permanently dry, permanently flooded and partially flooded stands show different levels of decline, with the permanent flooding always co-occurring with reed dieback. Only few of the considered chemical parameters seem to play a role in reed decline (nitrates, rubidium, nickel, barium, manganese), although no clear pattern was identified. Data suggest that the co-occurrence of some chemicals with stressing conditions might affect the growth even of an efficient metal accumulator, as reed is generally considered.

CNR IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources Pisa Italy

Department of Biology University of Florence Florence Italy

Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology University of Perugia Perugia Italy

Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology University of Perugia Perugia Italy; Department of Botany and Zoology Masaryk University Brno Brno Czech Republic

Department of Earth Sciences University of Florence Florence Italy

Department of Life Sciences University of Siena Siena Italy

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