State of the Environment

2006

Issue: Response of biota - Stream metabolism

This is an issue under the Inland waters theme of the Data Reporting System.

Why we need to know about this issue

Benthic metabolism refers to the rates of gross primary production (GPP) and community respiration (CR) occurring at, and just below, the sediment-water interface in streams. Measurement of these rates indicates the vigour of the basic carbon cycling processes in aquatic ecosystems — the fundamental base of the aquatic food web.

Rates of GPP and CR are dependent on light, nutrient concentrations and stream substrate, which are related to land use, extent of riparian vegetation and, soil type and stream geomorphology.

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