We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Nutrients and temperature interact to regulate algae and heterotrophic bacteria in an Alaskan poor fen peatland.
- Authors
Wyatt, Kevin H.; Bange, Jill S.; Fitzgibbon, Andrea S.; Bernot, Melody J.; Rober, Allison R.; Smith, Ralph
- Abstract
Permafrost thaw associated with warmer temperatures is expected to elevate nutrient levels in northern aquatic ecosystems, including peatlands. To evaluate these effects on algae and heterotrophic bacteria, we manipulated nutrients (nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) and temperature (ambient and warmed) in a factorial design using nutrient diffusing substrates inside warming chambers in an Alaskan peatland. After 16 days, there was no effect of warming on the abundance of algae or heterotrophic bacteria in the absence of nutrient enrichment. Algal production and bacterial biomass were substantially elevated by N with and without P (NP and N, respectively), independent of warming. Warming significantly enhanced the effect of nutrient enrichment on the abundance of algae and heterotrophic bacteria compared with ambient temperatures. Rates of N fixation increased with the presence of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria, which represented a greater proportion of algal taxonomic composition in the absence of N enrichment in both ambient and warmed conditions. Our results indicate that warmer temperatures and nutrient enrichment will elevate algal and heterotrophic metabolism in northern peatlands, and the magnitude of increase will depend on the combination of nutrients available during periods of inundation.
- Subjects
ALASKA; HETEROTROPHIC bacteria; EFFECT of nitrogen on algae; FEN ecology; EFFECT of phosphorus on algae; EFFECT of temperature on algae; PERMAFROST; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, 2015, Vol 72, Issue 3, p447
- ISSN
0706-652X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1139/cjfas-2014-0425