Abstract
Benthic (streambed) biofilms metabolize a substantial fraction of particulate organic matter and nutrient inputs to streams. These microbial communities comprise a significant proportion of overall biomass in headwater streams, and they present a primary control on the transformation and export of labile organic carbon. Biofilm growth has been linked to enhanced fine particle deposition and retention, a feedback that confers a distinct advantage for the acquisition and utilization of energy sources. We quantified the influence of biofilm structure on fine particle deposition and resuspension in experimental stream mesocosms. Biofilms were grown in identical 3-m recirculating flumes over periods of 18-47 days to obtain a range of biofilm characteristics. Fluorescent, 8- m particles were introduced to each flume, and their concentrations in the water column were monitored over a 30-minute period. We measured particle concentrations using a flow cytometer and mesoscale (10 μm to 1 cm) biofilm structure using optical coherence tomography. Particle deposition-resuspension dynamics were determined by fitting results to a stochastic mobile-immobile model, which showed that retention timescales for particles within the biofilm-covered streambeds followed a power-law residence time distribution. Particle retention times increased with biofilm areal coverage, biofilm roughness, and mean biofilm height. Our findings suggest that biofilm structural parameters are key predictors of particle retention in streams and rivers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 222-236 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Water Resources Research |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 17 Dec 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 11 Jan 2017 |
Keywords
- Biofilm
- Fine Particle Dynamics
- Stochastic Modelling
- Streams
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Dive into the research topics of 'Benthic Biofilm Controls on Fine Particle Dynamics in Streams'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Prizes
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Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (Biogeochemistry of erosive material deposition in streams: Impact of particulate deposition upon biofilm carbon cycling)
Hunter, W. R. (Recipient), 1 Sept 2012
Prize: Other distinction