Denitrification potential in sediments of headwater streams in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA
Martin LA, Mulholland PJ, Webster JR, Valett HM. 2001. Denitrification potential in sediments of headwater streams in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 20:505-519
The researchers investigated patterns of seasonal variability and the role of resource availability on denitrification potential in the sediments of headwater streams in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Stream water and sediments were sampled seasonally in 2 streams of contrasting NO3-N availability, Noland Creek (high NO3-N) and Walker Branch (low NO3-N) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Denitrification potential was greater in Noland Creek than in Walker Branch. A question in the study is if additional loss of NO3-N might be negatively affecting ecosystem production in streams with low concentrations of NO3-N, or where N is limiting to algae and microbes. The researchers suggest that NO3-N availability is the primary factor limiting potential denitrification in Southern Appalachian streams.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Martin, Lara; Mulholland, Patrick; Webster, Jackson; Valett, H
- Units
- ARD , GRSM
- Keywords
- AIRBIB, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, ARD_Park-Air-Info_Collection, denitrification, Deposition, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00683, GRSM-00684, Nitrogen, NO3-N, Noland Creek, nutrient limitations, SER, Southeast Region, Stream Sediments, Sulfur