Invertebrates, Fungal Biomass, and Leaf Breakdown in Pools and Riffles of Neotropical Streams.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated fungal biomass (as ergosterol concentration) and invertebrate colonization during leaf breakdown of Picramnia sellowii Planch. (Picramniaceae) in pools and riffles of three low-order forested streams in southeastern Brazil. We hypothesized that leaf breakdown will be higher in riffles due to the high physical fragmentation and fungal activity. The experiment was carried out during the dry season of 2012, using 108 litter bags, each containing 3 ± 0.05 g of air-dried leaves. After 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 d of incubation, six litter bags (riffle = 3 and pool = 3) were removed from each stream. Leaf breakdown rate (k) was classified as intermediate in pools and fast in riffles. We recorded similar values of remaining leaf mass in two habitats until 60 d. However, at 90 and 120

SUBMITTER: Tavares Martins R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5388313 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature