Catch and release: Hyporheic retention and mineralization of N-fixing <i>Nostoc</i> sustains downstream microbial mat biomass in two polar desert streams

TitleCatch and release: Hyporheic retention and mineralization of N-fixing Nostoc sustains downstream microbial mat biomass in two polar desert streams
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsKohler, TJ, Stanish, LF, Liptzin, D, Barrett, JE, McKnight, DM
JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters
Volume3
Issue4
Pagination357 - 364
Date Published07/2018
Abstract

Much work has been performed to investigate controls on nitrogen (N) uptake in streams, yet the fate of assimilated N is comparatively poorly resolved. Here, we use in-stream fixed N as an isotopic tracer to study the fate of assimilated N in glacial meltwater streams. We characterized d15N signatures of Oscillatorean, Chlorophyte, and N-fixing Nostoc mats over the lengths of two streams, and transported particulate organic matter (POM) in one. POM was isotopically most similar to Nostoc, which always had values near the atmospheric standard, suggesting N-fixation. Other mat types were depleted upstream, and became progressively enriched downstream, indicating a shift in N source. These results collectively show that Nostoc-derived N is mobilized, mineralized, and increasingly assimilated downstream as more depleted glacier-derived N is exhausted, demonstrating the importance of organic matter processing to balancing elemental budgets, and improving our understanding of nutrient cycling in lotic environments.

URLhttps://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lol2.10087
DOI10.1002/lol2.10087
Short TitleLimnol. Oceanogr.