The relationship between periphyton biomass and flow velocity in a subtropical oceania river

The hydraulic habitat suitability curves might be possible to give a specific prediction of periphyton biomass in lotic ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the relationship between flow velocity and periphyton biomass in an unshaded subtropical Oceania river. Accrual rate of periphyton biomass was determined during 3-month successional period at riffles, glides and pools. The results showed that periphyton biomass increased with flow velocity less than 60 cm s^-1. However, a changeover showed a negative effect on periphyton biomass by flow velocities higher than 60 cm s^-1. At the time of peak biomass (42d) the highest biomass was recorded under low velocity of pools at side channel. Periphyton biomass accumulated rapidly in this study than in past studies investigated under low flow velocity conditions.