Oder River Floodplains Vital for Water Quality and Biodiversity: Study

A study led by the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) reveals the crucial role of the Oder River floodplains in water management and nutrient cycling. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Lower Oder Valley National Park, suggests that extending the period during which floodgates are open could benefit the ecosystem by maintaining the connection between the river and its floodplains.

These floodplains provide essential habitats for diverse flora and fauna, offering refuge during and after the 2022 Oder River environmental disaster. They also act as natural flood defenses, mitigating the impact of high water levels. The study highlights the floodplains' ability to retain water and nutrients, improving water quality through natural processes like denitrification.

Researchers found that the floodplains are primarily fed by river overflows rather than groundwater, emphasizing the importance of surface water. The study supports the National Park's initiative to keep one polder open year-round for five years, a project the IGB plans to monitor scientifically, to assess the long-term benefits of increased connectivity.