Variation in biomass of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation in the St. Lawrence River

The specific composition, biomass, vertical distribution and metal content of submerged and emergent aquatic plants in the St. Lawrence were evaluated. The riparian vegetation community of the St. Lawrence is characterized by the presence of extensive wetlands in the floodplain, a border of emergent plants and vast underwater meadows dominated by American wild celery (Vallisneria americana), a strong indicator species of metal concentration.