Carolina Vilches

Metabolism in a macrophyte-rich stream exposed to flooding

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of floods on the metabolic autotrophic rates of a Pampean stream. We hypothesized that there would be high productivity because of the macrophyte-rich community and the high nutrient levels but that this productivity would be reduced by flooding. Net community production (NCP) and community respiration (CR) were measured using clear and opaque acrylic chambers in the same reach of the stream. Community metabolism was analyzed in relation to biomass and the colonized streambed surface. Prior to the flood, epiphyton was the most productive compartment of the stream, whereas after the flood, the bottom algae compartment was the most productive one. Therefore, the relative contribution of each compartment to the entire ecosystem was influenced by the varying flow conditions. The primary gross production values of the Las Flores stream communities before the flood were higher than most of those reported in other streams worldwide and sustain the complex trophic web associated to the stream. Consequently, production decrease due to the lower relative contribution of macrophytes and epiphyton would lead to a more simplified trophic network.