An affordable and reliable assessment of aquatic decomposition: Tailoring the Tea Bag Index to surface waters

Seelen L. M. S., Flaim G., Keuskamp J., Teurlincx S., Font R. A., Tolunay D., ...More

WATER RESEARCH, vol.151, pp.31-43, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 151
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.081
  • Journal Name: WATER RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.31-43
  • Keywords: Carbon cycle, Citizen science, Decomposition constant, European lakes, Lake management, Standardized ecological assay, ORGANIC-MATTER DECOMPOSITION, LEAF-LITTER DECOMPOSITION, GLOBAL CARBON-CYCLE, CITIZEN SCIENCE, DISSOLVED NUTRIENTS, MASS-LOSS, TEMPERATURE, CLIMATE, LAKES, BREAKDOWN
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Litter decomposition is a vital part of the global carbon cycle as it determines not only the amount of carbon to be sequestered, but also how fast carbon re-enters the cycle. Freshwater systems play an active role in the carbon cycle as it receives, and decomposes, terrestrial litter material alongside decomposing aquatic plant litter. Decomposition of organic matter in the aquatic environment is directly controlled by water temperature and nutrient availability, which are continuously affected by global change.