Abstract Detail

Bryology and Lichenology

Wood, James [1], Pattillo, Meryom [2], Freeman, Mary [2].

Organic Matter Retention and Insect Utilization of Seasonally Inundated Bryophytes in a Mid-order Piedmont River.

Bryophytes are increasingly being recognized for their role in supporting invertebrate biomass and for their influence on nutrient cycling and carbon balance in aquatic systems. However, substantially less studied is the structural and functional role of bryophytes growing in seasonally inundated habitats. We conducted a study on the Middle Oconee River, near Athens, Georgia, to assess invertebrate utilization and organic matter retention of the liverwort Porella pinnata. Porella pinnata is only submerged when water levels in rivers are high, and these habitats have rarely been considered important to aquatic invertebrates. We found evidence of insect utilization of P. pinnata in these habitats, as well as high retention of organic matter within the bryophyte mat. Results indicate bryophyte biomass is positively correlated with insect biomass and organic matter retention. This study can help inform river management by elucidating the role of seasonally inundated habitats in aquatic invertebrate life cycles.

1 - University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology, 140 E. Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
2 - University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology, 140 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA

Keywords:
Bryophyte
river
macroinvertebrate
Porella.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 8, Bryology and Lichenology (ABLS) I
Location: 205/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 11:45 AM
Number: 8011
Abstract ID:843
Candidate for Awards:None