Effects of short-term nutrient addition on microfauna density in a Mediterranean stream

We performed a stream fertilisation experiment in an oligotrophic, forested, undisturbed stream by increasing nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. The effect of nutrient loading on microfauna was studied over 6 months. A before after control impact (BACI) design was used to determine the outcome...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 2006-09, Vol.568 (1), p.207-215
Main Authors: Domènech, R, Gaudes, A, López-Doval, J. C, Salvadó, H, Muñoz, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amoebida
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic life
Biological and medical sciences
Creeks & streams
Cyclidium
Fresh water ecosystems
Frontonia
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Lembadion
Litonotus
nitrogen
Nutrient concentrations
Nutrient loading
Nutrients
Paramecium
phosphorus
pollution load
streams
Synecology
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Summary:We performed a stream fertilisation experiment in an oligotrophic, forested, undisturbed stream by increasing nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. The effect of nutrient loading on microfauna was studied over 6 months. A before after control impact (BACI) design was used to determine the outcome of the addition by comparing three upstream non-enriched reaches with an enriched one downstream. Ciliates such as Hymenostomata (Frontonia, Lembadion, Paramecium, Cyclidium) and Pleurostomatida (Litonotus) showed a positive response to fertilisation. No significant changes were detected for flagellates and testate amoebae. Mean density values observed (0.2–3×10³ ind cm⁻²) were compared with those found in literature.
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/s10750-006-0107-2