Detritus as a Major Component of Ecosystems

Odum, Eugene P.; Cruz, Armando A. de la

doi:10.2307/1293085

Cited by 77 publications

(45 citation statements)

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“…Several investigations have shown that the nutritive quality of detritus in marine and freshwater environments increases with decreasing size of the detritus particles (Odum & De La Cruz, 1967;Fuss & Smock, 1996;Young & Huryn, 1997), but others have not found such a relationship (Cammen, 1982). In our study, not only the organic matter but the bulk sediment was analyzed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…The different fractions of detritus are also chemically diverse, and their chemical composition is related to the origin of the sediment (Ward et al, 1990;Malcoln & Stanley, 1982). Detritus originating from aquatic macrophytes and phytoplankton, for example, may be an important source of nitrogen and phosphorus for the sediment (Odum & De La Cruz, 1967;Oláh et al, 1987;Tuominem et al, 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The decrease in particle size and the changes in chemical characteristics of organic matter during decomposition are well known processes (Odum & De La Cruz, 1967;Wetzel, 1981;Benner et al, 1988;Fuss & Smock, 1996;Leff et al, 1997;Pagioro & Thomaz, 1999). Some studies have demonstrated a consistent increase in microbial heterotrophic activity as detritus becomes smaller (Hargrave, 1972;Petersen et al, 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microbial respiration and chemical composition of different sediment fractions in waterbodies of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

Thomaz

Pagioro

2001

Rev. Bras. Biol.

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Four size fractions of the sediment of six environments of the upper Paraná River floodplain were analyzed for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents and microbial respiration (oxygen consumption). Particle size did not affect nitrogen and phosphorus content or microbial activity, but did affect carbon content (F = 4.274, df = 3; 20, p = 0.020). The carbon concentration of ultra-fine particles was significantly lower than that of other sizes of sediment particles. Microbial respiration values were well predicted by sediment chemical composition, as shown by multiple regression (microbial respiration = -0.39 -0.210C + 0.108N + 0.796P; F = 7.0495, p = 0.0022). However, phosphorus was the element which best explained the microbial respiration (partial coefficient = 0.796, p = 0.0039, n = 23). Considering that i) phosphorus was the best predictor of microbial respiration; ii) phosphorus is trapped in the series of reservoirs located upstream from the section of the floodplain studied; and iii) microbial respiration is a measure of decomposition rates and nutrient cycling, we hypothesize that the long-term accumulation of litter detritus and reduction of nutrient cycling in environments of the upper Paraná River floodplain are probable impacts of this decrease in phosphorus caused by the upstream reservoirs.Key words: microbial respiration, nutrient cycling, floodplain, sediment fractions, Paraná River. RESUMORespiração microbiana e composição química de diferentes frações do sedimento de ambientes aquáticos da planície de inundação do alto Rio Paraná, BrasilQuatro frações do sedimento, de tamanhos diferentes, de seis ambientes da planície de inundação do alto Rio Paraná foram analisadas quanto ao teor de carbono, nitrogênio e fósforo e quanto à respiração microbiana (consumo de oxigênio). O tamanho das partículas não afetou o conteúdo de nitrogênio e fósforo ou a atividade microbiana, influenciando apenas o conteúdo de carbono (F = 4,274, df = 3; 20, p = 0,020). As concentrações de carbono das partículas ultrafinas foram significativamente menores que as concentrações das partículas de outros tamanhos. Os valores da respiração microbiana refletiram a composição química do sedimento, como demonstrado na análise de regressão múltipla.(respiração microbiana = -0,39 -0,210C + 0,108N + 0,796P; F = 7,0495, p = 0,0022). Entretanto, o fósforo foi o elemento que melhor explicou a respiração microbiana (coeficiente parcial = 0,796, p = 0,0039, n = 23). Considerando que i) o fósforo foi o melhor preditor da respiração microbiana; ii) o fósforo é retido em uma série de reservatórios localizados a montante da planície de inundação Rev. Brasil. Biol., 61(2) estudada; e iii) a respiração microbiana é uma medida das taxas de decomposição e ciclagem de nutrientes, pode-se dizer que a acumulação dos detritos orgânicos ao longo do tempo e a redução da ciclagem de nutrientes nos ambientes da planície de inundação do alto Rio Paraná são prováveis impactos dessa diminuição do fósforo, causada pelos reservatórios a montante.Pal...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microbial respiration and chemical composition of different sediment fractions in waterbodies of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

Thomaz

Pagioro

2001

Rev. Bras. Biol.

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“…This study does not intend to suggest that floral resources partitioning among stingless bees and Africanized honeybees could be due to stingless bees' preference for nonfloral resources. Although local human presence probably increased bee occurrence at nonfloral resources, certainly many other nonfloral resources attractive to bees exist in natural habitats (Odum & De la Cruz, 1963;Wiegert & Owen, 1971). Indeed, nonfloral resource dispersion and more rapid transfer in tropical systems can make investigations more difficult, but they should continue in view of the amount and availability of such resources.…”

Section: Fig 2 -Large Number Ofmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The detritus food chain is one of the major pathways for the nutrient movement in tropical ecosystems (Odum & de la Cruz, 1963;Wiegert & Owen, 1971). Therefore, it must be emphasized that detritus can play a key role in the study of the relationship between bees and nonfloral resources, and can provide valuable insight into the functioning of tropical ecosystems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Foraging on some nonfloral resources by stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponini) in a caatinga region

Lorenzon

Matrangolo

2005

Braz. J. Biol.

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In a caatinga region the flowers and nonfloral resources visited by highly eusocial bees, stingless beess and Apis mellifera (Africanized honey bee) were studied. During one year, monthly sampling took place in two sites at Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí State, Brazil), one of them, including the local village, outside the park, and the other inside, using already existing park trails. With the help of entomological nets, all bees were caught while visiting floral and nonfloral resources. At the study sites we observed more stingless bees in nonfloral resources, made possible by human presence. Twelve stingless bee species used the nonfloral resources in different proportions, showing no preference for time of day, season of the year, or sites. During the rainy season, more water sources and abundant flowering plants were observed, which attract stingless bees, even though many worker bees were found foraging in the aqueous substrates while few were observed at water sources. This relationship was higher for stingless bee species than for Africanized honey bees. Paratrigona lineata was represented by few specimens in floral and nonfloral resources and is perhaps rare in this region. Frieseomelitta silvestrii could be considered rare in the floral resources, but they were abundant in nonfloral resources. The variety and intriguing abundance of bees in nonfloral resources suggests that these are an important part of the stingless bee niches, even if these resources are used for nest construction and defense.Key words: eusocial bee, detritus, semi-arid region, food resources. RESUMOForrageamento em alguns recursos não florais pelas abelhas sem ferrão (Hymenoptera, Meliponini) em região de caatinga Na região de caatinga, verificou-se a visita de meliponíneos e Apis mellifera (abelhas Africanizadas) aos recursos não florais e às fontes florais. Durante um ano foram realizadas amostragens mensais em dois locais do Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara, Piauí, Brasil: partes externa, que inclui parte do vilarejo, e interna, em algumas trilhas existentes no Parque. As abelhas foram capturadas quando visitavam as plantas em flores e em outros recursos não florais, utilizando-se redes entomológicas. A fauna de meliponíneos na Serra da Capivara, pertencente a 12 espécies, foi mais abundante e generalizada entre os diferentes recursos não florais, cuja ocorrência foi favorecida pela presença do homem. Verificouse que as variações da coleta dos recursos não florais pelas abelhas ao longo do dia, nas estações do ano e nos locais de estudo, não foram significativas. Aparentemente, na estação chuvosa houve grande número de floradas atrativas aos meliponíneos e maior disponibilidade de fontes de água, mesmo assim observouse expressivo número de indivíduos nos recursos não florais, particularmente nos substratos aquosos, e poucas abelhas coletando nas fontes de água: para os meliponíneos essa relação foi bem maior comparada à das Africanizadas. Paratrigona lineata foi representada por poucos indivíduos, podendo ser...

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Decomposition ofJuncus maritimus in Two Shallow Lakes of Doñana National Park

Álvarez

Rico

Guerrero

et al. 2001

Internat. Rev. Hydrobiol.

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Santa Olalla and Dulce are two shallow natural eutrophic lakes (“lagunas”) located in Doñana National Park (south of Spain). Both lagunas have high algal biomass and pH and are surrounded by a macrophyte fringe of Juncus spp. and Scirpus spp. The effect of the macroinvertebrate community on decomposition rates (k) of Juncus maritimus was measured in both lagunas using the litter bag method over a one year period after which less than 10% of the original litter bag material remained. Two different mesh sizes, coarse (5 mm) and fine (0.25 mm), were used to evaluate macroinvertebrate community effects on decomposition. Decomposition rates were rapid, with k values of 0.0162 day–1 in coarse bags and 0.0094 day–1 for fine bags at Santa Olalla and 0.0095, 0.0088 day–1 for coarse and fine bags, respectively, at Dulce. Both lagunas had similar densities of macroinvertebrates, with a dominance of shredder‐gatherer chironomids. However, densities of scrapers (Ancylidae) increased in Santa Olalla in spring but were almost absent in Dulce. The influence of different physical and chemical parameters and of the macroinvertebrate community on the decomposition process is studied. In spite of some potential confounding effects in the use of fine mesh bags in standing water systems, it is concluded that morphometrical characteristics of the lagunas are important in controlling decomposition rates.

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Detritus as a Major Component of Ecosystems

Cited by 77 publications

References 2 publications

Microbial respiration and chemical composition of different sediment fractions in waterbodies of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

Microbial respiration and chemical composition of different sediment fractions in waterbodies of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

Foraging on some nonfloral resources by stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponini) in a caatinga region

Decomposition ofJuncus maritimus in Two Shallow Lakes of Doñana National Park

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