Microbial colonization and decomposition of invasive and native leaf litter in the littoral zone of lakes of different trophic state

Riparian invasion by non-native trees may lead to changes in the quality of leaf litter inputs into freshwater ecosystems. Different plant species may affect the community of decomposers and the rate of litter decay in different ways. We studied the microbial colonization and decomposition of leaf litter of the invasive to Lithuania Acer negundo and native Alnus glutinosa during 64-day litterbag experiments in the littoral zones of mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. The decomposition of A. negundo leaf litter proceeded faster than that of A. glutinosa irrespective of differences in the trophic conditions of the lakes. The amount of terrestrial and cellulose-degrading fungi (during the initial period) and bacterial numbers (during the experiment) were higher on A. negundo leaves than on A. glutinosa in both lakes. Differences in the assemblages of aquatic fungi colonizing the leaves of both types might be one of the reasons causing variation in their decay. The trophic conditions of the lakes did not significantly determine the extent of differences in decomposition rates between the two leaf species, but affected the microbial decomposers. The sporulation rate and diversity of aquatic fungi, especially on A. glutinosa leaves, was higher in the mesotrophic lake than in the eutrophic lake, while heterotrophic bacteria were more numerous on the leaves in the eutrophic lake. Generally, differences in the colonization dynamics of heterotrophs and the faster decay of A. negundo litter than of A. glutinosa suggest that the replacement of native riparian species such as the dominating A. glutinosa by invasive A. negundo may cause changes of organic matter processing in the littoral zones of lakes.     

Effects of whole-stream nitrogen enrichment and litter species mixing on litter decomposition and associated fungi

Nutrient enrichment and changes in riparian tree species composition affect many streams worldwide but their combined effects on decomposers and litter decomposition have been rarely assessed. In this study we assessed the effects of experimental nitrogen (N) enrichment of a small forest stream on the decomposition of three leaf litter species differing in initial chemical composition [alder (Alnus glutinosa), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and poplar (Populus nigra)], incubated individually and in 2-species mixtures during late spring-early summer. To better understand the effects of litter mixing on litter decomposition, component litter species were processed individually for remaining mass and fungal reproductive activity. Litter decomposition rates were high. Nitrogen enrichment significantly stimulated litter decomposition only for alder incubated individually. Differences among litter treatments were found only at the N enriched site where the nutrient rich alder litter decomposed faster than all other litter treatments; only at this site was there a significant relationship between litter decomposition and initial litter N concentration. Decomposition rates of all litter mixtures were lower than those expected from the decomposition rates of the component litter species incubated individually, at the N enriched and reference sites, suggesting antagonistic effects of litter mixing. Conidial production by aquatic hyphomycetes for each sampling date was not affected by nutrient enrichment, litter species or mixing. Aquatic hyphomycetes species richness for each sampling date was higher at the N enriched site than at the reference site and higher for alder litter than for chestnut and poplar, but no effect of mixing was found. Aquatic hyphomycetes communities were structured by litter identity and to a lesser extent by N enrichment, with no effect of mixing. This study suggests that nutrient enrichment and litter quality may not have such strong effects on decomposers and litter decomposition in warmer seasons contrary to what has been reported for autumn-winter. Changes in the composition of the riparian vegetation may have unpredictable effects on litter decomposition independently of streams trophic state.     

Litter breakdown of invasive alien plant species in a pond environment: Rapid decomposition of Solidago canadensis may alter resource dynamics

Alien plant invasions of riparian zones can trigger bottom-up effects on freshwater ecosystems through changes in leaf litter supply. Riparian zones of ponds are often invaded by alien species, and although these habitats are common, the effect of invasive alien species on ponds has rarely been studied. We performed a leaf litter experiment in a pond and compared within- and between-species variation in the breakdown rates of three native species (Alnus glutinosa, Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia) and two aggressive alien invaders of riparian zones (Fallopia japonica and Solidago canadensis). The litter of S. canadensis decomposed faster than the litter of the other plants; more than 50 % of the S. canadensis biomass decomposed within a week. This contradicts the home-field advantage hypothesis, and we argue that the quality rather than the origin of litter might be the key factor driving breakdown rates. We also reported considerable intra-specific variation; old leaves (collected in spring after a partial aerial breakdown on stems) decomposed two to seven times slower than senescent leaves (collected in autumn just after abscission). The continuous seasonal supply of leaves of different quality into freshwaters may be disrupted by terrestrial invasions, especially if an invader forms monoculture stands and produces a highly palatable litter, as is the case with S. canadensis. This may fundamentally alter the resource dynamics in the pond environment through a rapid depletion of litter mass before the next litterfall.     

The replacement of native plants by exotic species may affect the colonization and reproduction of aquatic hyphomycetes

The tropical riparian zone has a high diversity of plant species that produce a wide variety of chemical compounds, which may be released into streams. However, in recent decades there has been an extensive replacement of tropical native vegetation by Eucalyptus monocultures. Our objective was to compare fungal colonization of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves with fungal colonization of native plant species from riparian zones in Brazilian Cerrado (savannah) streams. The fungal colonization and enzymatic activity significantly influenced leaf litter decomposition. Fungal sporulation rates from leaf litter varied significantly with leaf species, with E. camaldulensis showing the highest sporulation rate (1226 conidia mg⁻¹AFDM day⁻¹) and leaf mass loss (23.2 ± 0.9%). This species has the lowest lignin content and highest N concentration among the studied species. Among the studied native species, we observed the highest sporulation rate for Protium spruceanum (271 conidia mg⁻¹AFDM day⁻¹), Maprounea guianensis (268 conidia mg⁻¹AFDM day⁻¹) and Copaifera langsdorffii (196 conidia mg⁻¹AFDM day⁻¹). Overall, native plant species of the Brazilian Cerrado exhibited recalcitrant characteristics and a higher lignin:N ratio. Therefore, variations in the physical and chemical characteristics of the leaf litter could explain the higher decay rate and reproductive activity observed for E. camaldulensis. However, the detritus of this species were colonized almost exclusively by Anguillospora filiformis (99.6 ± 0.4%) and exhibited a reduction in aquatic hyphomycetes species diversity. Our results suggest that the disturbance in the composition of riparian vegetation and consequently, in the diversity of leaf litter input into streams, could change the patterns and rates of leaf litter utilization by microbial decomposers. These changes may have important consequences in the processing of organic matter and, consequently, in the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.     

Low-decomposition rates of riparian litter in a North Patagonian ultraoligotrophic lake

Littoral zones of lakes are important for carbon and nutrient recycling because of the accumulation and decomposition of organic matter (OM) coming from terrestrial and aquatic plants. Here, we aimed to study OM decomposition from the most abundant riparian trees (Nothofagus dombeyi and Myrceugenia exsucca), and an emergent macrophyte (Schoenoplectus californicus), in the littoral zone of an ultraoligotrophic North-Patagonian Andean lake. We analysed the initial 2-days leaching, and litter mass loss and litter nutrient changes after one year of decomposition in a litter-bag experiment. The three studied species had very slow decay rates (k < 0.005 day⁻¹), and initial nutrient release by leaching was not related to differences in decomposition rates. However, differences in leaf traits (lignin content) were related to interspecific variation in decomposition rates. The highest decomposition rates were observed for the macrophyte S. californicus, the species with the lower lignin content, while the opposite was observed in the Myrtaceae M. exsucca. In the three studied species, nitrogen content increased during decomposition. Our results indicated that in the shore of ultra-oligotrophic lakes, litter remains for long periods with net nutrient immobilization, thus OM of the riparian vegetation represents a carbon and nutrient sink.     

Habitat influences Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) tissue decomposition in riparian and stream ecosystems

Decomposition incorporates organic material delivered by Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) into aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of streams where salmon spawn. We hypothesized that salmon tissue decomposition would be faster, and macroinvertebrate abundance and biomass higher, in terrestrial compared to aquatic habitats, and this would be reflected in the nutritional quality of the tissue. Salmon tissue in coarse-mesh bags was placed in four habitats [terrestrial: riparian (RIP), gravel bars (GRA); aquatic: stream sediment surface (STR), buried in sediments (BUR)] in four southeast Alaska watersheds. After 2 (RIP, GRA) or 4 (STR, BUR) weeks of decomposition, tissue dry mass, macronutrient content, and macroinvertebrate colonizer abundance and biomass were determined. Overall, tissue decomposition was rapid (mean k = 0.088 day^?1), while nutritional quality remained high based on elemental ratios (mean C:N = 4.9; C:P = 140; N:P = 30), and differed among habitats (Linear-mixed effects model p < 0.05). Macroinvertebrate assemblages colonizing carcasses were unique to each habitat, although Diptera generally dominated. In terrestrial habitats, the dominant macroinvertebrates were Sphaeroceridae (96 % of invertebrate abundance in RIP habitat) and Calliphoridae larvae (98 % in GRA habitat). In aquatic habitats, the dominant macroinvertebrates were Chironomidae (48 % in STR habitat) and Chloroperlidae (72 % in BUR habitat). Macroinvertebrate colonizer abundance and biomass were higher in RIP (mean 286 individuals and 22 mg g^?1) than in other habitats (mean 4 individuals and 3 mg g^?1) (Friedman p < 0.05). Rapid decomposition rates and high invertebrate biomass, combined with the high nutritional quality of tissue, suggest rapid incorporation of critical salmon nutrients and energy into both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.     

Effects of seagrass leaf litter decomposition on sediment organic carbon composition and the key transformation processes

Seagrass leaf litters are an important source of sediment organic carbon (SOC). However, the mechanisms of seagrass leaf litter decomposition influencing SOC composition and the key transformation processes remain unknown. We performed a laboratory chamber experiment to compare the labile organic carbon (OC) composition and the enzyme activities governing SOC transformation between the seagrass group (seagrass leaf litter addition) and the control group. The results showed that the seagrass leaf litter decomposition significantly elevated the salt-extractable carbon (SEC) content and the SEC/SOC. Additionally, the levels of invertase, polyphenol oxidase, and cellulase in the seagrass leaf litters addition group were generally higher than in the control group, which could elevate recalcitrant OC decomposition. Following 24 days incubation, addition of seagrass leaf litter increased the amount of CO2 released, but decreased the SOC content. Therefore, seagrass leaf litter decomposition leached abundant dissolved OC, which enhanced the activity and transformation of SOC.     

湖滨带开发利用对大型底栖动物群落结构的影响:以洪泽湖为例

湖滨带是湖泊与陆地生态系统间非常重要的生态过渡带,能够保障周围生态系统结构的完整以及功能的正常发挥.随着湖滨带被持续开发与利用,人为干扰对湖滨带的影响逐渐增强.大型底栖动物是淡水生态系统的重要生物类群之一,也是物质循环和能量流动的主要环节,起着承上启下的关键作用.为了解湖滨带开发利用对大型底栖动物群落结构的影响,2020年8月对洪泽湖湖滨带49个样点的大型底栖动物进行调查.共采集到大型底栖动物49种,隶属3门7纲17目26科44属,各样点大型底栖动物的密度差别较大,介于6.67~1386.67 ind./m²之间,整体上呈现西北高,东南低的趋势.相似性分析结果表明,河口型湖滨带和大堤型湖滨带与其他类型湖滨带差异显著,而围网型、圈圩型和光滩型3种湖滨带类型之间的大型底栖动物群落差异均不显著.相似性百分比分析结果表明,腹足纲的环棱螺属是造成不同湖滨带类型差异的主要物种.典范对应分析结果表明,悬浮物（SS）、溶解态总氮、pH、透明度（SD）、浊度、水生植物盖度和扰动指数对大型底栖动物群落有显著影响.考虑不同湖滨带宽度的开发利用情况,发现湖滨带开发利用200 m范围内,物种-环境解释率最高,说明200 m湖滨带范围内的开发利用情况对大型底栖动物的影响最大,对湖滨带200 m范围内的开发利用应该加强管控.结构方程模型表明湖滨带开发利用主要通过影响水生植物盖度、总氮、硝态氮、叶绿素a、SS、SD等进而影响大型底栖动物,且围网也会直接影响大型底栖动物群落结构.     

Understanding factors structuring zooplankton and macroinvertebrate assemblages in ephemeral pans

Ephemeral aquatic ecosystems have a global distribution being most abundant in semi-arid and arid regions. Due to anthropogenic impacts threatening these environments, there is a need to understand various factors and processes structuring animal communities in these habitats. Macroinvertebrate and zooplankton assemblages were studied in different ephemeral (i.e. flood plain, large endorheic and small endorheic) pans in the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe in the wet season. Ten Cladoceran species, Calanoids and Cyclopoids taxa and thirty-three macroinvertebrate taxa were identified over the entire hydroperiod. Predator macroinvertebrates were the dominant taxa especially in endorheic pans. The pan categories differed significantly in both zooplankton and macroinvertebrates composition and richness, with zooplankton and macroinvertebrate taxa richness being high in flood plain pans. Conductivity, fish presence, hydroperiod, maximum depth, turbidity and vegetation cover played a major role in shaping both zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities. The macroinvertebrate community assemblage reveals that small endorheic and flood plain pans represent extremes ends of the environmental gradient in the region while large endorheic pans represent an intermediate end.     

Riparian alder fens — source or sink for nutrients and dissolved organic carbon? — 2. Major sources and sinks

Natural riparian forest wetlands are known to be effective in their ability to remove nitrate by denitrification and sediments with attached phosphorus via sedimentation. On the other hand, litter input and decomposition is a process of crucial importance in cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus in a forest ecosystem.In this study we investigated the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the alder fen ecosystem through leaf litter and its decomposition and the removal capacity of nitrogen and phosphorus by measuring denitrification and sedimentation in the alder fen.We found an average input of leaf litter during fall 1998 of 226 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ DW with nutrient concentration of 0.17% P and 1.6% N. This means a yearly input of 0.4 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ P and 3.6 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ N. The decomposition of leaf litter using litter bags with small and large mesh size resulted in bags with macroinvertebrates (large mesh size) and without macroinvertebrates (small mesh size). After 57 days the litter bags with macroinvertebrates had a decomposition rate of 79%.Denitrification was measured in May and June of 1997 using the acetylene inhibition technique on intact soil cores and slurry-experiments. The average annual denitrification rate was 0.2 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ N using data from the core experiments. The denitrification rate was higher after addition of nitrate, indicating that denitrification in the riparian alder fen is mainly controlled by nitrate supply.The sedimentation rate in the investigated alder fen ranged from 0.47 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹ DW to 4.46 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹ DW in 1998 depending on the study site and method we used. Sedimentation rates were lower in newly designed plate traps than in cylinder traps. The alder fen also showed lower rates than the adjacent creek Briese. Average phosphorus removal rate was 0.33 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ P.Input sources for the surface water of the alder fen are sediment mineralization and decomposition of leaf litter; output sources are sedimentation and denitrification. This study showed that a nutrient input of 24.58 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ N, 8.8 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ P and 419 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ DOC into the surface water of the alder fen is possible. Alder fens cannot improve water quality of an adjacent river system. This is only true for a nearly pristine alder fen with the hydrology of 10 months flooded conditions and 2 months non-flooding conditions a year.     

Land cover affects the breakdown of Pinus elliottii needles litter by microorganisms in soil and stream systems of subtropical riparian zones

Riparian zones are important interface areas between soil and stream systems. Few studies carried out in tropical and subtropical regions evaluate litter decomposition in both stream water and riparian soils. Herein, we assessed the effects of land cover on microbial activity on the decomposition of an exotic litter (Pinus elliottii pine needles only) in water and soils of a subtropical riparian zone. Leaf litter breakdown rates (k in d⁻¹) were estimated for different land covers (Grassland without riparian vegetation, Grassland with riparian vegetation, Forest, and Silviculture). To assess the microbial influence on k, we used fine mesh litter bags with monospecific leaf litter of senescent pine needles. Streams in Silviculture land use showed high k values and orthophosphate, dissolved oxygen and water velocity accelerated the leaf litter breakdown in the stream system. The soil system of Silviculture, Forest, and Grassland with riparian vegetation land covers showed high k values due to the high moisture and litter stock on riparian soil. Only a minor difference between stream and soil systems highlights the significant changes and the negative effects of silviculture on subtropical riparian zones.     

The effects of simulated inundation duration and frequency on litter decomposition: A one-year experiment

There is major uncertainty in the responses of litter decomposition to the inundation regimes in field studies, mainly because of the difficulties in identification of the individual effect of duration and frequency using field studies alone. The interactive role of inundation regime and litter quality also remains unclear. The responses of mass loss to simulated inundation regime (duration and frequency) and litter quality were investigated in leaves of Carex brevicuspis and leaves and stems of Miscanthus sacchariflorus from Dongting Lake, China. Three litter types differing in litter quality were incubated under seven different inundations over 360 days (three single inundations of 90, 180, and 360 days; three repeated 180-day inundations of 2, 3, and 6 times; and no inundations) in a pond near Dongting Lake. Initial N and P contents were highest in C. brevicuspis leaves, intermediate in M. sacchariflorus leaves, and lowest in M. sacchariflorus stems, whereas the organic C, cellulose, and lignin contents were ranked in the opposite order among the three litter types. Decomposition rate was highest in M. sacchariflorus leaves (0.00222–0.00900 day⁻¹), intermediate in C. brevicuspis leaves (0.00135–0.00500 day⁻¹), and lowest in M. sacchariflorus stems (0.00080–0.00100 day⁻¹). The decomposition rate of both C. brevicuspis and M. sacchariflorus leaves increased with increasing inundation duration or decreasing frequency. However, both duration and frequency of inundation had no effect on decomposition of M. sacchariflorus stems. At the end of the incubation, N mineralization was complete in leaf litters with increasing rates with increasing inundation duration or decreasing inundation frequency, but accumulation was found in M. sacchariflorus stems. Organic C decayed quickly in both leaf litters compared with the stem litter. These data indicate that inundation regime has no effect on the decomposition of refractory stem litter while prolonged and stable inundation stimulates the degradation of labile leaf litter.     

Can the substrate influence the distribution and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in streams in northeastern Brazil?

We sampled different substrates (sand, gravel, leaf litter and stones) in the rainy and dry season to study the distribution and composition of benthic macroinvertebrates in tropical streams (northeastern Brazil). Benthic macroinvertebrates were distributed according to the substrates, with stones showing a higher richness and abundance of species and abundance of collector-gatherers and filter-collectors. The results of the PCoA showed a separation of stones from the other substrates and similarities between sand and gravel.     

The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Europe: Impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human well-being

Procambarus clarkii is currently recorded from 16 European territories. On top of being a vector of crayfish plague, which is responsible for large-scale disappearance of native crayfish species, it causes severe impacts on diverse aquatic ecosystems, due to its rapid life cycle, dispersal capacities, burrowing activities and high population densities. The species has even been recently discovered in caves. This invasive crayfish is a polytrophic keystone species that can exert multiple pressures on ecosystems. Most studies deal with the decline of macrophytes and predation on several species (amphibians, molluscs, and macroinvertebrates), highlighting how this biodiversity loss leads to unbalanced food chains. At a management level, the species is considered as (a) a devastating digger of the water drainage systems in southern and central Europe, (b) an agricultural pest in Mediterranean territories, consuming, for example, young rice plants, and (c) a threat to the restoration of water bodies in north-western Europe. Indeed, among the high-risk species, P. clarkii consistently attained the highest risk rating. Its negative impacts on ecosystem services were evaluated. These may include the loss of provisioning services such as reductions in valued edible native species of regulatory and supporting services, inducing wide changes in ecological communities and increased costs to agriculture and water management. Finally, cultural services may be lost. The species fulfils the criteria of the Article 4(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament (species widely spread in Europe and impossible to eradicate in a cost-effective manner) and has been included in the “Union List”. Particularly, awareness of the ornamental trade through the internet must be reinforced within the European Community and import and trade regulations should be imposed to reduce the availability of this high-risk species.     

Reed litter Si content affects microbial community structure and the lipid composition of an invertebrate shredder during aquatic decomposition

The decomposition of plant litter is an important mechanism in regard to energy and nutrient dynamics of ecosystems. Silicon concentration of plant tissue can affect these processes by changing litter quality, i.e. nutrient stoichiometry and cellulose and phenols content. To determine which group of microbial decomposers benefits from high Si content in plants and how this impacts on animal decomposers, a batch experiment was conducted with reed leaf litter (Phragmites australis) differing in Si content in the presence/absence of invertebrate shredders (Gammarus pulex). Lipid concentration of G. pulex, in reed litter and fine particulate matter (FPOM) were examined. High Si concentration in reed resulted in a decline of gram positive bacteria in the heterotrophic biofilm and of gram negative bacteria in FPOM. The lipid composition in the next trophic level, the decomposer G. pulex, changed too, indicating a diet shift in favor of bacteria and algae with increasing litter Si concentration. Thus, basal decomposers were affected by the Si availability in plant resources, and these effects likely persist along the food chain, as FPOM is a dominant food supply for other groups, e.g. collectors. This impact of Si content on plant substrate quality for decomposer food webs may have global relevance, due to related modifications in carbon and nutrient cycling during litter decomposition.     

Consumption,growth and survival of the endemic stream shredder Limnephilus atlanticus (Trichoptera,Limnephilidae) fed with distinct leaf species

Oceanic freshwater communities tend to be species poor but rich in endemism due to their physical isolation. The ecology of endemic freshwater species is, however, poorly known. This study assessed allometric relationships, feeding preferences, growth and survival of larvae of the endemic stream insect Limnephilus atlanticus (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) exposed to four leaf species differing in their physical and chemical characteristics (Ilex perado, Morella faya, Alnus glutinosa and Clethra arborea), in laboratory trials. All regression models used to estimate L. atlanticus dry mass from body and case dimensions and wet mass were significant, but wet mass and body length were the best predictors. Limnephilus atlanticus consumed all the four leaf species offered, but when given a choice, shredders significantly preferred A. glutinosa over the other three leaf species. Relative larval growth rate was significantly higher when L. atlanticus fed on A. glutinosa and I. perado leaves in comparison with the other leaf species. Survival of 95% was found when individuals fed on A. glutinosa leaves while it decreased to 75% when they fed on the other leaf species. Our results suggest that L. atlanticus can be an active shredder and that it exhibits the same basic patterns of food exploitation as its continental counterparts. The lack of an effect of shredders on litter decomposition in Azorean streams revealed by previous studies may thus be due to low densities or to a preference for food resources other than the low quality native litter species.     

The influence of leaf litter diversity and soil fauna on initial soil erosion in subtropical forests

Although the protective role of leaf litter cover against soil erosion is known for a long time, little research has been conducted on the processes involved. Moreover, the impact of soil meso‐ and macrofauna within the litter layer on erosion control is not clear. To investigate how leaf litter cover and diversity as well as meso‐ and macrofauna influence sediment discharge in subtropical forest ecosystems, a field experiment has been carried out in Southeast China. A full‐factorial random design with 96 micro‐scale runoff plots and 7 domestic leaf species was established and erosion was triggered by a rainfall simulator. Our results demonstrate that leaf litter cover protects soil from erosion (?82 % sediment discharge on leaf covered plots) by rainfall and this protection is removed as litter decomposes. The protective effect is influenced by the presence or absence of soil meso‐ and macrofauna. Fauna presence increases soil erosion rates significantly by 58 %, while leaf species diversity shows a non‐significant negative trend. We assume that the faunal effect arises from arthropods slackening and processing the soil surface as well as fragmenting and decomposing the protecting leaf litter covers. Even though the diversity level did not show a significant influence, single leaf species in monocultures show rather different impacts on sediment discharge and thus, erosion control. In our experiment, runoff plots with leaf litter from Machilus thunbergii showed the highest sediment discharge (68.0 g m^?2) whereas plots with Cyclobalanopsis glauca showed the smallest rates (7.9 g m^?2). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

太湖流域上游西苕溪源头溪流中毛竹、石栎和山胡椒落叶分解比较

比较了毛竹、石栎和山胡椒叶片的理化属性,采用粗网叶袋法研究了三种落叶在太湖流域上游西苕溪中的分解过程,探讨了毛竹叶成为溪流优势外来能源后对溪流生态过程和底栖动物群落结构的影响.三种落叶的氮、磷含量及叶片厚度都存在显著差异,毛竹叶的氮含量(30.23 g/kg)远高于石栎(20.98 g/kg)和山胡椒(9.69 g/kg),其中毛竹叶的分解速率最快(k=0.00592 d-1),山胡椒(0.00297 d-1)和石栎叶(0.00212 d-1)较慢.三种落叶叶袋间的大型底栖无脊椎动物包括各取食功能团的多度和生物量无显著差异,而4次采样间的差异很显著.大型底栖动物的取食功能团中,撕食者的数量比例最高(40.3%),生物量比例为41.6%,是落叶分解的重要功能类群.撕食者中,利用阔叶筑巢的鳞石蛾Lepi-dostoma数量最多,占全部底栖动物的14%,是该溪流中主要的撕食者类群.因此,由于毛竹叶具有氮、磷含量较高、叶形较窄,以及两年进行一次换叶的特点,当毛竹叶替代其他阔叶秋季落叶的树种成为源头溪流优势外来能源后,可能会改变源头溪流中的氮磷含量、溪流外来能源的量和滞留时间以及底栖动物群落结构.