Evaluating the influence of macrophytes on algal and bacterial production in multiple habitats of a freshwater wetland

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2003.48.3.1101
• Publication Date: 2010-07-01T17:59:38Z
• Authors: Emily H. Stanley; Mark D. Johnson; Amelia K. Ward
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water

Algal 14 C uptake and bacterial 3 H leucine incorporation were measured over 20 months to assess the influence of macrophytes on spatial distribution magnitude microbial production relative importance algae versus whole‐system energy flow in a southeastern U.S. wetland. determined for water column plant‐, sediment‐, wood‐surface microhabitats four zones defined by aquatic vascular plant composition: no macrophyte, floating leaved ( Nymphaea odorata ), heterophyllous Proserpinaca palustris or emergent macrophyte Juncus effusus ) zones. We combined data with detailed habitat measurements estimate at meter‐squared whole‐wetland scales compared fixation concurrently rates production. Production surfaces was significantly lower than wood benthic sediments all At scale, 79% algal 74% occurred sediments, epiphytes contributing ,6% both rates. With exception phytoplankton zone bacteria sediment did not differ among Thus, type affect activity except marsh, where limited area volume per square meter reduced larger scales. However, influenced macrophytes, as carbon demand greatly exceeded amount supplied whole‐ecosystem overwhelmed production, which accounted only 4–10% total wetland fixation.