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Effects of beaver impoundments on dissolved organic matter quality and biodegradability in boreal riverine systems

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Abstract

Beaver impoundments modify the structure of river reaches and lead to changes in ecosystem function and biogeochemical processes. Here, we assessed the changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and the biodegradation patterns in a set of beaver systems across Sweden. As the effect of beaver impoundments might be transient and local, we compared DOM quality and biodegradability of both pond and upstream sections of differentially aged beaver systems. Newly established dams shifted the sources and DOM biodegradability patterns. In particular, humic-like DOM, most likely leached from surrounding soils, characterized upstream sections of new beaver impoundments. In contrast, autochthonous and processed compounds, with both higher biodegradation rates and a broader spectrum of reactivities, differentiated DOM in ponds. DOM in recently established ponds seemed to be more humic and less processed compared to older ponds, but system idiosyncrasies determined by catchment particularities influenced this ageing effect.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful with B. Koehler for her help with the fitting of the reactivity continuum model. NC hold a postdoctoral stipend from the Wenner-Gren foundation (2014–2016; Sweden). AGB and SB were funded by Grants from the Swedish Research Council (projects 2013-6978 and 2012-3892).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Genetics, Limnology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    N. Catalán, S. Herrero Ortega, H. Gröntoft, T. G. Hilmarsson, S. Bertilsson & A. G. Bravo

  2. Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    S. Bertilsson

  3. Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

    Pianpian Wu, Oded Levanoni & K. Bishop

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  1. N. Catalán
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  2. S. Herrero Ortega
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  4. T. G. Hilmarsson
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  5. S. Bertilsson
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  6. Pianpian Wu
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  7. Oded Levanoni
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  8. K. Bishop
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  9. A. G. Bravo
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Correspondence to A. G. Bravo.

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Guest editors: Mary Kelly-Quinn, Jeremy Biggs & Stefanie von Fumetti / The Importance of Small Water Bodies: Insights from Research

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Catalán, N., Herrero Ortega, S., Gröntoft, H. et al. Effects of beaver impoundments on dissolved organic matter quality and biodegradability in boreal riverine systems. Hydrobiologia 793, 135–148 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2766-y

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