Searching for effective indicators of ecosystem function in urban streams: assessing cellulose decomposition potential

摘要: Summary 1. Urbanisation and landuse changes threaten the ecological integrity of rivers streams globally. A major challenge in such impacted environments is to develop functional indicators for use by waterway managers. We first reviewed cellulose decomposition potential (CDP) as one indicator, here present current understanding highlight knowledge gaps which hinder its widespread incorporation into programmes monitoring stream health. In a field study, we also evaluated two differing materials (Shirley soil burial test material unbleached calico) measurement techniques. 2. We investigated effects urbanisation riparian cover on CDP standardised indicator ecosystem function. Cotton fabrics were deployed paired open closed reaches across six catchments varying degree (in south-eastern Australia). After 7, 14 21 days retrieved their assessed conjunction with number physicochemical variables. 3. We observed strong positive relationship between Shirley calico materials, thus indicating an effective substitute cloth, no longer available. 4. Across sites, was positively correlated ammonium concentrations also, lesser extent, filterable reactive phosphorus sediment silt clay content/carbon availability. Despite these relationships, not or cover. 5. Cellulose simple, rapid sensitive water quality associated anthropogenic valuable tool