There is a dearth of studies on the effects of
drought on standing water bodies. Whilst the effects
may be mild, it is important to document how water
quality, the biota and ecological processes change
with drought. Floodplains are a vital component of
lowland rivers but our knowledge of the effects that
droughts have on their aquatic biota and processes
during extended dry periods and drought remains
poor and fragmentary (Kingsford, 2006).