- Temperature: It affects the metabolic rates, growth, reproduction, and survival of aquatic organisms.
- Light: It is crucial for photosynthesis, performed by aquatic plants, algae, and some bacteria, which produce oxygen and serve as the foundation of the food web.
- Oxygen: It is essential for the respiration of aquatic organisms.
- pH: The acidity or basicity of water can affect the survival and growth of aquatic organisms.
- Nutrients: Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are vital for the growth of plants and algae.
- Carbon dioxide: It is necessary for photosynthesis.
- Substrate: The type and composition of the bottom substrate (e.g., sand, gravel, rocks) provide habitats and affect the composition of the benthic community.
- Water clarity: It affects light penetration and thus photosynthetic activity. Turbidity can be influenced by factors like suspended particles, dissolved substances, and algae blooms.
- Flow: The speed and direction of water movement can affect the distribution and abundance of aquatic organisms.
- Depth: It determines the amount of light penetration, temperature gradient, and pressure differences, influencing the distribution of species adapted to specific conditions.
These factors interact and influence the aquatic environment and the organisms living within it. Understanding these abiotic factors is essential for assessing the health and functioning of freshwater ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on these sensitive environments.