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Zhan Z, Wang S, Huang J, Cai J, Xu J, Zhou X, Wang B, Chen D. Litter quality and climate regulate the effect of invertebrates on litter decomposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems: A global meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173102. [PMID: 38729363 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Although the exclusion effects of invertebrate decomposers on litter decomposition have been extensively studied in different experimental contexts, a thorough comparison of the exclusion effects of invertebrate decomposers with different body sizes on litter decomposition and its possible regulatory factors in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is still lacking. Here, through a meta-analysis of 1207 pairs of observations from 110 studies in terrestrial ecosystems and 473 pairs of observations from 60 studies in aquatic ecosystems, we found that invertebrate exclusion reduced litter decomposition rates by 36 % globally, 30 % in terrestrial ecosystems, and 44 % in aquatic ecosystems. At the global scale, the exclusion effects of macroinvertebrates and mesoinvertebrates on litter decomposition rates (reduced by 38 % and 36 %, respectively) were greater than those of the combination of macroinvertebrates and mesoinvertebrates (reduced by 30 %). In terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the effects of invertebrate exclusion on litter decomposition rates were mainly regulated by climate and initial litter quality, but the effects of invertebrate exclusion with different body sizes were regulated differently by climate, initial litter quality, and abiotic environmental variables. These findings will help us better understand the role of invertebrate decomposers in litter decomposition, especially for invertebrate decomposers with different body sizes, and underscore the need to incorporate invertebrate decomposers with different body sizes into dynamic models of litter decomposition to examine the potential effects and regulatory mechanisms of land-water-atmosphere carbon fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Zhan
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shuaifei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jinshan Cai
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-Environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Dima Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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2
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Li S, Xu Z, Yu Z, Fu Y, Su X, Zou B, Wang S, Huang Z, Wan X. Litter decomposition and nutrient release are faster under secondary forests than under Chinese fir plantations with forest development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16805. [PMID: 37798470 PMCID: PMC10555996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In terrestrial ecosystems, leaf litter is the main source of nutrients returning to the soil. Understanding how litter decomposition responds to stand age is critical for improving predictions of the effects of forest age structure on nutrient availability and cycling in ecosystems. However, the changes in this critical process with stand age remain poorly understood due to the complexity and diversity of litter decomposition patterns and drivers among different stand ages. In this study, we examined the effects of stand age on litter decomposition with two well-replicated age sequences of naturally occurring secondary forests and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in southern China. Our results showed that the litter decomposition rates in the secondary forests were significantly higher than those in the Chinese fir plantations of the same age, except for 40-year-old forests. The litter decomposition rate of the Chinese fir initially increased and then decreased with stand age, while that of secondary forests gradually decreased. The results of a structural equation model indicated that stand age, litter quality and microbial community were the primary factors driving nutrient litter loss. Overall, these findings are helpful for understanding the effects of stand age on the litter decomposition process and nutrient cycling in plantation and secondary forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijun Li
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Zijun Xu
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Zaipeng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Yanrong Fu
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangping Su
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Bingzhang Zou
- Baisha National Forest Farm of Fujian Province, Shanghang, 364205, Fujian, China
| | - Sirong Wang
- Baisha National Forest Farm of Fujian Province, Shanghang, 364205, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiqun Huang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohua Wan
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China.
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3
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Gruppuso L, Receveur JP, Fenoglio S, Bona F, Benbow ME. Hidden Decomposers: the Role of Bacteria and Fungi in Recently Intermittent Alpine Streams Heterotrophic Pathways. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1499-1512. [PMID: 36646914 PMCID: PMC10497695 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of flow intermittency and drying events in Alpine rivers is expected to increase due to climate change. These events can have significant consequences for stream ecological communities, though the effects of reduced flow conditions on microbial communities of decomposing allochthonous leaf material require additional research. In this study, we investigated the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the decomposition of two common species of leaf litter, chestnut (Castanea sativa), and oak (Quercus robur). A sampling of experimentally placed leaf bags occurred over six collection dates (up to 126 days after placement) at seven stream sites in the Western Italian Alps with historically different flow conditions. Leaf-associated bacterial and fungal communities were identified using amplicon-based, high-throughput sequencing. Chestnut and oak leaf material harbored distinct bacterial and fungal communities, with a number of taxonomic groups differing in abundance, though bacterial community structure converged later in decomposition. Historical flow conditions (intermittent vs perennial rivers) and observed conditions (normal flow, low flow, ongoing drying event) had weaker effects on bacterial and fungal communities compared to leaf type and collection date (i.e., length of decomposition). Our findings highlight the importance of leaf characteristics (e.g., C:N ratios, recalcitrance) to the in-stream conditioning of leaf litter and a need for additional investigations of drying events in Alpine streams. This study provides new information on the microbial role in leaf litter decomposition with expected flow changes associated with a global change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gruppuso
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Turin, Italy.
- Centro per lo Studio dei Fiumi Alpini (ALPSTREAM - Alpine Stream Research Center), Ostana, (CN), Italy.
| | - J P Receveur
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Fenoglio
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Turin, Italy
- Centro per lo Studio dei Fiumi Alpini (ALPSTREAM - Alpine Stream Research Center), Ostana, (CN), Italy
| | - F Bona
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Turin, Italy
- Centro per lo Studio dei Fiumi Alpini (ALPSTREAM - Alpine Stream Research Center), Ostana, (CN), Italy
| | - M E Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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4
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Wang L, Liu H, Carvalho F, Chen Y, Lai L, Ge J, Tian X, Luo Y. Top-Down Effect of Arthropod Predator Chinese Mitten Crab on Freshwater Nutrient Cycling. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2342. [PMID: 37508124 PMCID: PMC10376719 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquatic litter decomposition is highly dependent on contributions and interactions at different trophic levels. The invasion of alien aquatic organisms like the channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) might lead to changes in the decomposition process through new species interactions in the invaded wetland. However, it is not clear how aquatic macroinvertebrate predators like the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) will affect the nutrient cycle in freshwater ecosystems in the face of new benthic invasion. We used the litter bag method to explore the top-down effect of crabs on the freshwater nutrient cycle with the help of soil zymography (a technology previously used in terrestrial ecosystems). The results showed significant feeding effects of crabs and snails on lotus leaf litter and cotton strips. Crabs significantly inhibited the intake of lotus litter and cotton strips and the ability to transform the environment of snails by predation. Crabs promoted the decomposition of various litter substrates by affecting the microbial community structure in the sediment. These results suggest that arthropod predators increase the complexity of detrital food webs through direct and indirect interactions, and consequently have an important impact on the material cycle and stability of freshwater ecosystems. This top-down effect makes macrobenthos play a key role in the biological control and engineering construction of freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Francisco Carvalho
- CBMA-Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Biology Department, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Yunru Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
- Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, 14 Chegongzhuangxi Road, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Linshiyu Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiachun Ge
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
- Freshwater Fishery Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China
| | - Xingjun Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yunchao Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
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5
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Xiang H, Li K, Cao L, Zhang Z, Yang H. Global patterns and drivers of coniferous leaf-litter decomposition in streams and rivers. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.940254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many streams and rivers are heterotrophic ecosystems that are highly dependent on cross-ecosystem subsidies such as leaf litter (LL). Terrestrial LL can be consumed by macroinvertebrates and microbes to fuel the detrital-based food webs in freshwaters. To date, our knowledge of LL decomposition in freshwaters is largely based on broadleaved LL, while the patterns and drivers of coniferous leaf-litter (CLL) decomposition in streams and rivers remain poorly understood. Here, we present a global investigation of CLL decomposition in streams and rivers by collecting data from 35 publications. We compared LL breakdown rates in this study with other global-scale studies (including conifers and broadleaved species), between evergreen and deciduous conifers, and between native and invasive conifers. We also investigated the climatic, geographic (latitude and altitude), stream physicochemical characteristics, and experimental factors (e.g., mesh size and experimental duration) in influencing CLL decomposition. We found that the following: (1) LL breakdown rates in this study were 18.5–28.8 and 4.9–16.8% slower than those in other global-scale studies when expressed as per day and per degree day, respectively. Conifer LL in coarse mesh bags, for evergreen and invasive conifers, decomposed 13.6, 10.3, and 10.8% faster than in fine mesh bags, for deciduous and native conifers, respectively; (2) CLL traits, stream physicochemical characteristics, and experimental factors explained higher variations in CLL decomposition than climatic and geographic factors; (3) CLL nutritional quality (N and P), water temperature, and experimental duration were better predictors of CLL decomposition than other predictors in categories of LL traits, stream physicochemical characteristics, and experimental factors, respectively; and (4) total and microbial-mediated CLL breakdown rates showed linear relationships with latitude, altitude, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. Our results imply that the replacement of native forests by conifer plantation would impose great impacts on adjacent freshwaters by retarding the LL processing rate. Moreover, future climate warming which is very likely to happen in mid- and high-latitude areas according to the IPCC 6th report would accelerate LL decomposition, with a potential consequence of food depletion for detritivores in freshwaters during hot summers.
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Yue K, De Frenne P, Van Meerbeek K, Ferreira V, Fornara DA, Wu Q, Ni X, Peng Y, Wang D, Heděnec P, Yang Y, Wu F, Peñuelas J. Litter quality and stream physicochemical properties drive global invertebrate effects on instream litter decomposition. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:2023-2038. [PMID: 35811333 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plant litter is the major source of energy and nutrients in stream ecosystems and its decomposition is vital for ecosystem nutrient cycling and functioning. Invertebrates are key contributors to instream litter decomposition, yet quantification of their effects and drivers at the global scale remains lacking. Here, we systematically synthesized data comprising 2707 observations from 141 studies of stream litter decomposition to assess the contribution and drivers of invertebrates to the decomposition process across the globe. We found that (1) the presence of invertebrates enhanced instream litter decomposition globally by an average of 74%; (2) initial litter quality and stream water physicochemical properties were equal drivers of invertebrate effects on litter decomposition, while invertebrate effects on litter decomposition were not affected by climatic region, mesh size of coarse-mesh bags or mycorrhizal association of plants providing leaf litter; and (3) the contribution of invertebrates to litter decomposition was greatest during the early stages of litter mass loss (0-20%). Our results, besides quantitatively synthesizing the global pattern of invertebrate contribution to instream litter decomposition, highlight the most significant effects of invertebrates on litter decomposition at early rather than middle or late decomposition stages, providing support for the inclusion of invertebrates in global dynamic models of litter decomposition in streams to explore mechanisms and impacts of terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric carbon fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yue
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.,Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Pieter De Frenne
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Koenraad Van Meerbeek
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Verónica Ferreira
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dario A Fornara
- Davines Group-Rodale Institute European Regenerative Organic Center (EROC), Via Don Angelo Calzolari 55/a, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Qiqian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, 311300, China
| | - Xiangyin Ni
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Yan Peng
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China.,Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1958, Denmark
| | - Dingyi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Petr Heděnec
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Agritec Plant Research Ltd., Zemědělská 16, Šumperk, 78701, Czech Republic
| | - Yusheng Yang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Fuzhong Wu
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CREAF, E08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain.,CSIC, Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, E08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
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7
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Pereira A, Figueiredo A, Ferreira V. Invasive Acacia Tree Species Affect Instream Litter Decomposition Through Changes in Water Nitrogen Concentration and Litter Characteristics. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:257-273. [PMID: 33864129 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-native nitrogen-fixing Acacia species have been invading riparian ecosystems worldwide, potentially threatening stream communities that strongly depend on allochthonous litter. We examined the effects of the invasion of native deciduous temperate forests by Acacia species on litter decomposition and associated fungal decomposers in streams. Litter of native (Alnus glutinosa and Quercus robur) and invasive (Acacia melanoxylon) species were enclosed in fine-mesh bags and immersed in three native and three invaded streams, for 14-98 days. Litter decomposition rates, fungal biomass, and aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rates were higher in invaded than in native streams, likely due to the higher water nitrogen concentration found in invaded streams. Alnus glutinosa litter had higher aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rates and species richness, and higher decomposition rates, probably because they were soft and nitrogen rich. Quercus robur litter also had high aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rates but lower decomposition rates than Al. glutinosa, probably due to high polyphenol concentration and carbon:nitrogen ratio. Acacia melanoxylon litter had lower aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rates and species richness, and lower decomposition rates, most likely because it was very tough. Thus, litter decomposition rates varied in the order: Al. glutinosa > Q. robur > Ac. melanoxylon. The aquatic hyphomycete community structure strongly differed between native and invaded streams, and among litter species, suggesting that microbes were sensitive to water nitrogen concentration and litter characteristics. Overall, increases in water nitrogen concentration and alterations in litter characteristics promoted by the invasion of native riparian forests by Acacia species may affect the activity and community structure of microbial decomposers, and instream litter decomposition, thus altering the functioning of stream ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pereira
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Albano Figueiredo
- CEGOT-Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Largo da Porta Férrea, 3004-530, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Verónica Ferreira
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Peralta-Maraver I, Stubbington R, Arnon S, Kratina P, Krause S, de Mello Cionek V, Leite NK, da Silva ALL, Thomaz SM, Posselt M, Milner VS, Momblanch A, Moretti MS, Nóbrega RLB, Perkins DM, Petrucio MM, Reche I, Saito V, Sarmento H, Strange E, Taniwaki RH, White J, Alves GHZ, Robertson AL. The riverine bioreactor: An integrative perspective on biological decomposition of organic matter across riverine habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145494. [PMID: 33581537 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Riverine ecosystems can be conceptualized as 'bioreactors' (the riverine bioreactor) which retain and decompose a wide range of organic substrates. The metabolic performance of the riverine bioreactor is linked to their community structure, the efficiency of energy transfer along food chains, and complex interactions among biotic and abiotic environmental factors. However, our understanding of the mechanistic functioning and capacity of the riverine bioreactor remains limited. We review the state of knowledge and outline major gaps in the understanding of biotic drivers of organic matter decomposition processes that occur in riverine ecosystems, across habitats, temporal dimensions, and latitudes influenced by climate change. We propose a novel, integrative analytical perspective to assess and predict decomposition processes in riverine ecosystems. We then use this model to analyse data to demonstrate that the size-spectra of a community can be used to predict decomposition rates by analysing an illustrative dataset. This modelling methodology allows comparison of the riverine bioreactor's performance across habitats and at a global scale. Our integrative analytical approach can be applied to advance understanding of the functioning and efficiency of the riverine bioreactor as hotspots of metabolic activity. Application of insights gained from such analyses could inform the development of strategies that promote the functioning of the riverine bioreactor across global ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Peralta-Maraver
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Life Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK.
| | - Rachel Stubbington
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Shai Arnon
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vivian de Mello Cionek
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Nei Kavaguichi Leite
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Aurea Luiza Lemes da Silva
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Malte Posselt
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andrea Momblanch
- Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
| | - Marcelo S Moretti
- Laboratory of Aquatic Insect Ecology, Universidade Vila Velha, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo L B Nóbrega
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot SL5 7PY, UK
| | | | - Mauricio M Petrucio
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Isabel Reche
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Victor Saito
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- Department of Hydrobiology, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emily Strange
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ricardo Hideo Taniwaki
- Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James White
- River Restoration Centre, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK
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