Streambed Microbial Activity and Its Spatial Distribution in Two Intermittent Stream Networks.

ABSTRACT: Headwater streams comprise almost 90% of global river networks, and their microorganisms play critical roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. These functions, however, are affected by recurrent drying and rewetting. This study examined spatial variation in microbial enzyme activity tied to organic carbon degradation (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, and peroxidase) and nitrogen (N-acetylglucosaminidase) and phosphorus (phosphatase) mineralization in water, epilithic biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment in two intermittent streams: Gibson Jack Creek (Idaho, USA) and Pendergrass Creek (Alabama, USA), representing different climactic and physiographic settings. Microbial activity was greater in Gibson Jack Creek, where the activity of leaf litter enzymes varied along the stre

SUBMITTER: Kemajou Tchamba AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844215 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature