Differential responses for stream algal assemblages exposed to factorial N and P enrichment along an in situ DOC gradient

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment from the surrounding landscape can enhance the growth and abundance of algal assemblages, both suspended in the water column and occurring as benthic biofilms in the receiving waters of resident stream ecosystems. However, it is unclear how enhanced levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) might mediate the response of algae to nutrients. In this study, we aim to understand the relationship between N and P enrichment in stream reaches with varying levels of DOC within a common watershed. Both suspended and benthic algal assemblages were exposed to increasing (low, moderate, high) levels of N and P in an in situ 3 x 3 factorial experimental design. Experiments were carried out simultaneously at three sites of varying DOC concentration, the results of which, showed that both assemblages responded very differently to enrichment. For suspended algae, biomass was enhanced following enrichment with both N and P singularly and in combination, particularly at the highest concentrations levels for both nutrients (3-way ANOVA interactions; p < 0.05). This pattern was consistent at all levels of DOC at the three sites (3-way ANOVA Nutrient-site interaction; F = 1.4, p = 0.228). In contrast, benthic algal biomass progressively increased with enhanced concentration of both N and P, but only at the lowest level of DOC (3-way ANOVA site term; F = 84.2, p = 0.0001). No appreciable biomass accumulation was observed under moderate or high DOC conditions and this pattern was likely attributed to low light penetration at these two sites (ANOVA). Our results indicate that eutrophication is likely to manifest itself in a complex manner throughout watersheds where loading of N and P interacts with DOC.

Automated summary

Nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment from the landscape can enhance the growth and abundance of algal communities in stream ecosystems, both in the water column and as benthic biofilms. However, the impact of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels on algae response to nutrient enrichment is unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between N and P enrichment and varying DOC levels in stream reaches within a common watershed. The results showed that suspended algae responded positively to both N and P enrichment, while benthic algae biomass increased only at the lowest DOC level. These findings indicate that eutrophication in watersheds is influenced by interactions between N and P loading and DOC.