Macrophytes have an important role in ecological functions, especially in determining the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems. Macrophytes are classified into submerged macrophytes, emerging macrophytes, and free-floating macrophytes. Macrophytes provide complex habitat and food for semi-aquatic biota ranging from macroinvertebrates to mammals, and they participate in nutrient cycles. Global lake ecosystems have experienced significant changes in macrophyte abundance and composition due to multiple types of interactions, including human activity and climate change. Eutrophication due to anthropogenic activities causes some macrophytes to grow out of control in lakes and other locations across the world.