Environmental Drivers of Stream Metabolism in a Middle Tennessee Headwater Stream
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Ming, Ayers John
Primary Institution: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
Hypothesis
How do ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross primary productivity (GPP) depend on temperature and light intensity in East Fork Creek?
Conclusion
East Fork Creek remains heterotrophic throughout the year, with GPP peaking in summer and ER showing slight seasonal variation.
Supporting Evidence
- GPP showed strong seasonal variation, peaking in July.
- DO concentrations indicated an aerobic environment with no hypoxia events observed.
- The study found that East Fork Creek is heterotrophic for 54 of 57 campaign days.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a small stream in Tennessee uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide throughout the year, showing that it usually uses more oxygen than it produces.
Methodology
Field campaigns were conducted monthly to measure dissolved oxygen, temperature, and light intensity, and stream metabolism was estimated using a Bayesian model.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to limited site selection and environmental variability.
Limitations
The study was limited by equipment theft and the focus on only two sites after October 2022.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website