Human activities shape global patterns of decomposition rates in rivers

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Tiegs, S. D.; Capps, K. A.; Costello, D. M.; Schmidt, J. P.; Patrick, C. J.; Follstad Shah, J. J.; Leroy, C. J.
• 署名单位: Oakland University; University System of Georgia; University of Georgia; United States Department of Energy (DOE); Savannah River Ecology Laboratory; University System of Georgia; University of Georgia; University System of Ohio; Kent State University; Kent State University Salem; Kent State University Kent; William & Mary; Virginia Institute of Marine Science; Utah System of Higher Education; University of Utah
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-10590
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adn1262
• 发表日期: 2024-06-14
• 页码: 1191-1195
• 关键词: leaf-litter decomposition; carbon fluxes; streams; terrestrial; temperate; emissions; pollution; leaves

摘要

Rivers and streams contribute to global carbon cycling by decomposing immense quantities of terrestrial plant matter. However, decomposition rates are highly variable and large-scale patterns and drivers of this process remain poorly understood. Using a cellulose-based assay to reflect the primary constituent of plant detritus, we generated a predictive model (81% variance explained) for cellulose decomposition rates across 514 globally distributed streams. A large number of variables were important for predicting decomposition, highlighting the complexity of this process at the global scale. Predicted cellulose decomposition rates, when combined with genus-level litter quality attributes, explain published leaf litter decomposition rates with high accuracy (70% variance explained). Our global map provides estimates of rates across vast understudied areas of Earth and reveals rapid decomposition across continental-scale areas dominated by human activities.