Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2014-06

Share:

Title:

Effects of urban stream burial on organic matter dynamics and reach scale nitrate retention.

Year:

2014

Authors:

Beaulieu, JJ, Mayer, PM; Kaushal, SS; Pennino, MJ; Arango, CP; Balz, DA;Canfield, TJ; Elonen, CM; Fritz, KM; Hill, BH; Ryu, H; Santo Domingo, JW

Source:

Biogeochemistry
121 : 107 - 126

DOI:

10.1007/s/10533-014-9971-4

Abstract:

Nitrogen (N) retention in streams is an important ecosystem service that may be affected by the widespread burial of streams in stormwater pipes in urban watersheds. We predicted that stream burial suppresses the capacity of streams to retain nitrate (NO3 −) by eliminating primary production, reducing respiration rates and organic matter availability, and increasing specific discharge. We tested these predictions by measuring whole-stream NO3 − removal rates using 15NO3 − isotope tracer releases in paired buried and open reaches in three streams in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) during four seasons. Nitrate uptake lengths were 29 times greater in buried than open reaches, indicating that buried reaches were less effective at retaining NO3 − than open reaches. Burial suppressed NO3 − retention through a combination of hydrological and biological processes. The channel shape of two of the buried reaches increased specific discharge which enhanced NO3 − transport from the channel, highlighting the relationship between urban infrastructure and ecosystem function. Uptake lengths in the buried reaches were further lengthened by low stream biological NO3 − demand, as indicated by NO3 − uptake velocities 17-fold lower than that of the open reaches. We also observed differences in the periphyton enzyme activity between reaches, indicating that the effects of burial cascade from the microbial to the ecosystem scale. Our results suggest that stream restoration practices involving “daylighting” buried streams have the potential to increase N retention. Further work is needed to elucidate the impacts of stream burial on ecosystem functions at the larger stream network scale.

Open Access:

This article is freely available online. You can use the DOI number to find it through the journal's website or through a search engine.

Related Research Project(s) Funded by Maryland Sea Grant:

Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s):

'Related Research Project(s)' link to details about research projects funded by Maryland Sea Grant that led to this publication. These details may include other impacts and accomplishments resulting from the research.

'Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s)' links to related pages on the Maryland Sea Grant website.

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

An essential resource for researchers, students, and managers.  Get your copy today!

pile of cooked crabs