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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Beaver; Ponds; Dissolved organic matter; Biodegradability

Published in

Hydrobiologia
2017, volume: 793, number: 1, pages: 135-148
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

Associated SLU-program

Lakes and watercourses

Global goals (SDG)

SDG15 Life on land

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2766-y

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82674