Metabolism, nutrient dynamics and community composition in sandy sediments - A microcosms experiment

In ripples, a combination of mechanic stress, advective supply and light limitation likely hampered microbial metabolism. Sediment stability likely facilitated an active community of autotrophs, mainly diatoms, as indicated by high NCP, high rates of DOC release and Si-SiO2 retention. Retention of nitrate and the high DIN : SRP ratio indicated efficient resource utilization in stable sediments.

After the transition, microbial communities from each treatment responded differently to sediment transport, most likely as a result of the interaction between their previous environmental conditions and functional status in response to the new conditions. Our data indicate that sediment transport in the form of migrating ripples at low flow can strongly modulate streambed metabolism, and discharge oscillations (transitions) will result in a mosaic of metabolism and communities that will emerge at larger scales determining reach scale metabolism.