Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Decomposition of allochthonous material (e.g., leaves or woody debris) is an important process in stream ecosystems. Breakdown of this allochthonous matter is dependent on multiple factors, such as species identity or the habitat type (e.g. riffle vs pool). Decomposition rate has received limited attention as a potential metric of stream health, which could be useful for conservation and citizen science groups. In this study, we quantified microbe density and macroinvertebrate diversity, and related these variables back to the decomposer taxa, habitat type and stream health value (quantified as Q-value). Leaf litter bags that varied in mesh size (2.0 and 0.5 mm) were placed, monitored, and collected at 14, 28, and 42 days across 9 sites in the fall of 2022. The 2 mm mesh bag allowed shredder colonization while a 0.5 mm bag restricted their colonization. Colonizers were counted and diversity was calculated using Simpson’s Diversity Index. Lastly, a Q-value was calculated for each site following the Illinois Riverwatch Protocol. We found no strong relationships between bag mesh size, habitat type or with stream Q-value. Further inquiry into how decomposition varies across different attributes of streams and whether it can be incorporated into stream health assessments is therefore needed.
Included in
Analyzing Decomposition in a Temperate Lotic System
Decomposition of allochthonous material (e.g., leaves or woody debris) is an important process in stream ecosystems. Breakdown of this allochthonous matter is dependent on multiple factors, such as species identity or the habitat type (e.g. riffle vs pool). Decomposition rate has received limited attention as a potential metric of stream health, which could be useful for conservation and citizen science groups. In this study, we quantified microbe density and macroinvertebrate diversity, and related these variables back to the decomposer taxa, habitat type and stream health value (quantified as Q-value). Leaf litter bags that varied in mesh size (2.0 and 0.5 mm) were placed, monitored, and collected at 14, 28, and 42 days across 9 sites in the fall of 2022. The 2 mm mesh bag allowed shredder colonization while a 0.5 mm bag restricted their colonization. Colonizers were counted and diversity was calculated using Simpson’s Diversity Index. Lastly, a Q-value was calculated for each site following the Illinois Riverwatch Protocol. We found no strong relationships between bag mesh size, habitat type or with stream Q-value. Further inquiry into how decomposition varies across different attributes of streams and whether it can be incorporated into stream health assessments is therefore needed.
Comments
This research was made possible by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts grant at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Dr. Thomas Anderson of this university served as mentor for this project.