Effects of desiccation duration on the community structure and nutrient retention of short and long-hydroperiod Everglades periphyton mats

摘要: Abstract Responses of periphyton communities to different relevant durations dry down were assessed. Long-hydroperiod sites within Everglades National Park remain wet for greater than 8 months the year while short-hydroperiod mats are fewer 4 year. Dry duration long and was manipulated from 0 1, 3, or after which rewetted 1 month examined algal species composition. The effects desiccation rewetting on nutrient retention also Relative abundance diatoms declined an average 47% in long-hydroperiod community at start experiment 24% only 12% desiccation. Short-hydroperiod contained a lower proportion outset (3%), less 1% 8-month treatment. A significant increase filamentous cyanobacteria Schizothrix calcicola occurred during this same period, but not mats. had response overall, structure responded more rapidly. Because frequently, they appear cope better desiccating conditions communities. This is indicated by dominance resistant taxa such as cyanobacterial filaments S. Scytonema hofmanni . mat converge compositionally prolonged Desiccation caused flux concentrations nutrients periphyton. Significant increases efflux total phosphorus (TP) 3 nitrogen (TN) organic carbon (TOC). Thus, changes function with altered hydroperiod may have long-term ecosystem effects.