Abstract
We seek to understand how copper and cadmium act on leaf litter decomposition by their effects on microbial conditioning and litter fragmentation by invertebrates. In this study, we evaluated, in an integrated manner, different biological elements responsible for functioning of streams. Thus, we performed a microcosm assay with different concentrations for the two metals and their combination, evaluating their effects on fungi sporulation rate, consumption rate by shredders, and, consequently, the leaf litter decomposition rates. Sporulation rates were affected by all copper concentrations tested 10 × = 16 µg L−1 and 25 × = 40 µg L−1) but significantly reduced only at the highest concentration of cadmium (25 × = 22.5 µg L−1). Increased copper and cadmium concentrations reduced the consumption of leaf litter by Phylloicus at 60%. The concentrations (10 × and 25 ×) of both metals resulted in a reduction in decomposition rates. When combined, copper and cadmium negatively affected microbial conditioning, consumption by shredders, and leaf litter decomposition. Increases in concentrations of copper and cadmium directly affected organic matter decomposition in aquatic environments. Thus, the presence of a high concentration of heavy metals in aquatic environments alters the functioning of ecosystems. As trace-elements occur in a combined manner in environments, our results show that the combined effects of different metals potentiate the negative effects on ecosystem processes.
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The authors thank Mayara Breda for their support in the field and laboratory work.
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This study receive financial support from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001. LUH received financial support of the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) grants (#307212/2020–3), CB received financial support from CAPES (PNDP).
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RCL, CB, and LUH: conception of the idea; RCL: field experiment; RCL and CB: laboratory analysis; RCL, and LUH: statistical analysis; RCL, CB, and LUH: discussion and writing of the text.
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Loureiro, R.C., Biasi, C. & Hepp, L.U. Effects of copper and cadmium on stream leaf decomposition: evidence from a microcosm study. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 2511–2520 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31282-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31282-1