Effects of beaver impoundments on dissolved organic matter quality and biodegradability in boreal riverine systems

Beaver impoundments modify the structure of river reaches and lead to changes in ecosystem function and biogeochemical processes. Here, we assessed the changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and the biodegradation patterns in a set of beaver systems across Sweden. As the effect of beaver...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Catalán, Núria, Herrero Ortega, Sonia, Gröntoft, Hannes, Hilmarsson, Torfi Geir, Bertilsson, Stefan, Wu, Pianpian, Levanoni, Oded, Bishop, Kevin, Bravo, Andrea G.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/377087
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/377087
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84969837273
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ponds
Beaver
Biodegradability
Dissolved organic matter
Descripción
Sumario:Beaver impoundments modify the structure of river reaches and lead to changes in ecosystem function and biogeochemical processes. Here, we assessed the changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and the biodegradation patterns in a set of beaver systems across Sweden. As the effect of beaver impoundments might be transient and local, we compared DOM quality and biodegradability of both pond and upstream sections of differentially aged beaver systems. Newly established dams shifted the sources and DOM biodegradability patterns. In particular, humic-like DOM, most likely leached from surrounding soils, characterized upstream sections of new beaver impoundments. In contrast, autochthonous and processed compounds, with both higher biodegradation rates and a broader spectrum of reactivities, differentiated DOM in ponds. DOM in recently established ponds seemed to be more humic and less processed compared to older ponds, but system idiosyncrasies determined by catchment particularities influenced this ageing effect.