Abstract: The decomposition of aquatic plants can affect the quality of natural water, the stability of ecosystem, and the carbon and material cycling in wetlands. Understanding the decomposition of aquatic plants is of great significance to explore the nutrient cycling of natural water body. Here, we review the research progress, mechanism and influencing factors of aquatic plant decay. The current research directions on aquatic plant decomposition mainly focus on the effects of aquatic plant decomposition on the environment and the factors affecting the process of decomposition. The main research methods include litterbag method, indoor incubation method, and stable isotope probing method. The environmental effects of decomposition of aquatic plants are mainly reflected in nutrient release during decomposition. Through the analysis on decomposition process, element migration and transformation, and decomposition difference of aquatic plants, it is found that the physicochemical properties of plants are the decisive factors affecting decomposition. The composition and activity of decomposer community are the direct factors affecting decomposition, and environmental factors such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentration and sediment condition are the important factors for plant decomposition. The decomposition process of aquatic plants is restricted by many factors. Analyzing the role of compound factors in the decomposition of aquatic plants and the coupling effect of all the factors is an important research direction of aquatic plant decomposition in the future.

Key words: aquatic plant, decomposition, wetland, water quality.