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Oxygen drives benthic-pelagic decomposition pathways in shallow wetlands
Gea H van der Lee1, Michiel H S Kraak2, Ralf C M Verdonschot3
1Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED-FAME), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. g.h.vanderlee@uva.nl.
Scientific Reports
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Anoxic conditions in shallow wetlands shift decomposition. Microbes dominate in the benthos, while invertebrates move to the pelagic zone, impacting particulate organic matter (POM) breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Aquatic Ecosystems
Background:
- Oxygen availability is a key factor limiting particulate organic matter (POM) decomposition.
- The role of anoxic conditions in shallow wetland benthic layers on microbial and invertebrate decomposition pathways is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dissolved oxygen influences benthic-pelagic decomposition pathways in shallow wetlands.
- To determine the impact of anoxic conditions on the relative contributions of microbes and invertebrates to POM decomposition.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of dissolved oxygen, invertebrate communities, microbial decomposition, and invertebrate consumption were conducted in benthic and pelagic layers of 15 drainage ditches.
- Analysis focused on the relationship between anoxic conditions and decomposition processes.
Main Results:
- Increased anoxia in the benthic layer correlated with higher microbial decomposition.
- Invertebrate consumption decreased in the benthic layer but increased in the pelagic layer, linked to amphipod presence.
- This suggests a shift in decomposition strategies based on oxygen availability.
Conclusions:
- Anoxic benthic conditions in shallow wetlands promote microbial decomposition and reduce invertebrate consumption in that layer.
- Detritivorous invertebrates migrate to oxygenated pelagic zones, altering decomposition pathways.
- Environmental factors like dissolved oxygen significantly influence the roles of aquatic organisms in ecosystem functioning.
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