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Variation in ecosystem function in Appalachian streams along an acidity gradient.

K S Simon1, M A Simon, E F Benfield

  • 1School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469-5722, USA. ksimon@maine.edu

Ecological Applications : a Publication of the Ecological Society of America
|August 20, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Stream acidification significantly impairs leaf breakdown, a key ecosystem function. Management should target acid-sensitive shredders like Lepidostoma and phosphorus availability for aquatic health.

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Area of Science:

  • Aquatic ecology
  • Ecosystem function
  • Environmental science

Background:

  • Acidification is a major threat to aquatic ecosystems, impacting community structure.
  • Ecosystem functions, like leaf breakdown, are also sensitive to acidification and crucial for stream health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how stream acidification affects leaf breakdown rates.
  • To determine the relationship between invertebrate and microbial communities and leaf breakdown.
  • To explore the role of microbial function in response to acidification.

Main Methods:

  • Examined leaf breakdown along a pH gradient from natural, acidic, and limed streams.
  • Measured invertebrate and microbial assemblage structure and function.
  • Conducted laboratory incubations to assess microbial adaptation and enzyme activity.

Main Results:

  • Leaf breakdown rates decreased threefold along the acidity gradient (pH 6.8 to 4.9).
  • The abundance of the acid-sensitive caddisfly Lepidostoma correlated with leaf breakdown rates.
  • Microbial respiration was suppressed, and phosphatase activity indicated increasing phosphorus limitation with acidification.

Conclusions:

  • Leaf breakdown is a sensitive indicator of stream ecosystem function response to acidification.
  • Key taxa like Lepidostoma and phosphorus availability are critical mechanisms driving functional changes.
  • Management should consider sensitive invertebrates and nutrient dynamics for mitigating acidification impacts.