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Low flow and heatwaves alter ecosystem functioning in a stream mesocosm experiment.

Raquel Arias Font1, Kieran Khamis1, Alexander M Milner1

  • 1School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Climate change intensifies river stressors. Low flow and heatwaves independently reduce ecosystem functioning, but combined effects suggest increased microbial mortality and reduced acclimation in river ecosystems.

Keywords:
BiofilmClimate changeDissolved organic matterExtreme climatic eventsMetabolismMultiple stressors

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Climate Change Research

Background:

  • Riverine ecosystems face increasing environmental stressors due to climate change.
  • Extreme events like low flow and heatwaves significantly impact stream ecosystem functioning.
  • Research on the combined effects of these stressors on multiple ecosystem processes is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the individual and combined effects of low flow and heatwaves on riverine ecosystem processes.
  • To assess the impact of these stressors on detrital decomposition, biofilm accrual, ecosystem metabolism, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).

Main Methods:

  • A two-month stream mesocosm experiment was conducted.
  • Treatments included simulated low flow (66% water reduction) and heatwaves (+5°C for 8 days, repeated).
  • Key ecosystem processes were measured, including metabolism, decomposition, biofilm accrual, and DOC quantity/quality.

Main Results:

  • Low flow reduced ecosystem metabolism (GPP, ER) and increased DOC, primarily due to habitat contraction.
  • Heatwaves enhanced decomposition and algal accrual but decreased leaf decomposition efficiency.
  • Net ecosystem production (NEP) decreased, especially under independent low flow and heatwave conditions.
  • Combined low flow and heatwaves severely reduced GPP and ER, indicating microbial mortality and impaired acclimation.

Conclusions:

  • Autumn heatwaves may extend the growing season for primary producers and stimulate decomposers.
  • River ecosystems may shift towards heterotrophy with accelerated recalcitrant carbon processing under climate change.
  • Further research is needed on higher trophic levels, meta-community dynamics, and legacy effects of repeated stressor events.