Human activities shape global patterns of decomposition rates in rivers
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Abstract
Rivers and streams contribute to global carbon cycling by decomposing immense quantities of terrestrial plant matter. However, decomposition rates are highly variable and large-scale patterns and drivers of this process remain poorly understood. Using a cellulose-based assay to reflect the primary constituent of plant detritus, we generated a predictive model (81% variance explained) for cellulose decomposition rates across 514 globally distributed streams. A large number of variables were important for predicting decomposition, highlighting the complexity of this process at the global scale. Predicted cellulose decomposition rates, when combined with genus-level litter quality attributes, explain published leaf litter decomposition rates with high accuracy (70% variance explained). Our global map provides estimates of rates across vast understudied areas of Earth and reveals rapid decomposition across continental-scale areas dominated by human activities.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Human activities shape global patterns of decomposition rates in rivers |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.adn1262 |
| Volume | 384 |
| Issue | 6701 |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | AAAS |
| Contributing office(s) | WMA - Integrated Information Dissemination Division |
| Description | 5 p. |
| First page | 1191 |
| Last page | 1195 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |