Biogeochemical processes associated with the microbial community (algae, bacteria, fungi) constitute the interface between solute transport and biotic production in riverine environments. Identifying and estimating the role of biotic processes such as nitrification and denitrification by bacteria, nutrient uptake and production by epilithic algal films and decomposition of particulate and dissolved organic matter, as well as abiotic processes such as absorption, are important for understanding the linkage between terrestrial, riparian, hyporheic and in-channel contributions to the nutrient chemistry of a drainage network. Relative biotic response to solutes in transport between pristine and anthropogenically modified riverine environments [...]
Summary
Biogeochemical processes associated with the microbial community (algae, bacteria, fungi) constitute the interface between solute transport and biotic production in riverine environments. Identifying and estimating the role of biotic processes such as nitrification and denitrification by bacteria, nutrient uptake and production by epilithic algal films and decomposition of particulate and dissolved organic matter, as well as abiotic processes such as absorption, are important for understanding the linkage between terrestrial, riparian, hyporheic and in-channel contributions to the nutrient chemistry of a drainage network. Relative biotic response to solutes in transport between pristine and anthropogenically modified riverine environments is poorly understood, but necessary for long-term management of surface waters. Project objectives are to identify and determine rates of biotic transformations of transported solutes at chemical-biotic interfaces in fluvial environments, including seepage areas, riparian zones, sediment/surface-water interfaces, intragravel- subsurface flow interfaces (hyporheic zone) and floodplains.
