Nutrient enrichment of a heterotrophic stream alters leaf litter nutritional quality and shredder physiological condition via the microbial pathway

Connolly, N.M., and Pearson, R.G. (2013) Nutrient enrichment of a heterotrophic stream alters leaf litter nutritional quality and shredder physiological condition via the microbial pathway. Hydrobiologia, 718 (1). pp. 85-92.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-160...
 
23
2


Abstract

Streams receiving agricultural runoff are typically enriched with nutrients, which variously impact stream communities. We examined the effects of phosphate and nitrate enrichment on leaf litter breakdown, microbial biomass and the nutrition of an invertebrate shredder to determine how nutrients are transferred through the stream detrital food web. Using artificial streams, individuals of Anisocentropus kirramus (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) were fed leaves of Apodytes brachystylus (Icacinaceae) under different nutrient regimes. We measured the amount of leaf material consumed or decomposed and the microbial biomass colonising the leaves. The dry mass, and protein, lipid and carbohydrate composition of A. kirramus larvae were determined after 28-day feeding on the leaves. Supplements of phosphorus, but not nitrogen, enhanced leaf breakdown, microbial growth and growth of larvae. Microbial biomass and dry mass of larvae increased with nutrient enrichment and they were significantly correlated. Thus, the phosphorus supplement was transmitted through the detrital food web via the microbial pathway, resulting in higher nutritional quality of leaves and enhanced physiological condition of the shredder. Understanding such subtle relationships is important in determining the impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on freshwater ecosystems.

Item ID: 29913
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1573-5117
Keywords: nutrient, invertebrate, rainforest, decomposition, litter, shredder, tropic
Funders: Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Management, Land and Water Resources R & D Corporation
Date Deposited: 23 Oct 2013 05:26
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060204 Freshwater Ecology @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960506 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 2
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page