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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

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Published on: March 12, 2013

Warming overrides eutrophication effects on leaf litter decomposition in stream microcosms.

Javier Pérez¹, Aydeé Cornejo², Alberto Alonso³

¹Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; Ecology and Aquatic Ecotoxicology Laboratory. Research Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, 0816-02593. Divisa, Veraguas province, Panama.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)

|June 8, 2023

Summary

Global warming and nutrient pollution impact headwater streams. Warming generally speeds up leaf litter decomposition, while nutrient effects vary, with few interactions observed between the two stressors.

Keywords:

Alnus glutinosa Aquatic Hyphomycetes Detritivores Nitrogen and Phosphrus Nutrient enrichment Temperature increase

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Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems

Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems

Published on: October 29, 2016

Area of Science:

Freshwater ecology
Ecosystem functioning
Environmental science

Background:

Headwater streams are crucial, representing two-thirds of river length.
Human activities increase nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) runoff, leading to eutrophication.
Combined effects of warming and eutrophication on these sensitive ecosystems are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the combined effects of increased water temperature and nutrient enrichment on leaf litter decomposition in temperate headwater streams.
To investigate the impact on associated biological compartments: leaf litter, aquatic hyphomycetes, and detritivores.

Main Methods:

A microcosm study simulating temperate streams.
Manipulated water temperatures (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 °C) and nutrient concentrations (control, high N, high P, high N + P).
Measured leaf litter decomposition rates and changes in microbial, fungal, and detritivore communities.

Main Results:

Warming consistently enhanced decomposition rates, microbial conditioning, fungal sporulation/richness, and detritivore growth.
Eutrophication effects were variable: P inhibited decomposition, N+P promoted conditioning, and nutrient additions affected detritivore stoichiometry.
Few interactions between warming and eutrophication were observed, contrary to expectations of synergistic effects.

Conclusions:

Both warming and nutrient enrichment significantly alter stream ecosystem functioning independently.
Non-additive effects are possible but may require examining a broader range of ecosystem processes.
Understanding these individual and combined stressors is vital for headwater stream management.