Cellulase activities during decomposition of a submerged aquatic macrophyte (Utricularia breviscapa): a microcosm assay

Abstract

Decomposition of lignocellulosic detritus at enzymatic level is the rate-limiting step during aquatic macrophyte decomposition. Assays were carried out to evaluate cellulase activity during decomposition of Utricularia breviscapa; the assays included the following C-sources: leachate, lignocellulosic matrix and integral detritus. The incubations comprised U. breviscapa C-sources added to Oleo lagoon (21o 36'S and 47o 49'W) water maintained in the dark under anaerobic condition at 15oC, 20oC, 25oC and 30oC. Cellulase activity were monitored during 180 days, with the activity showing a time evolution that depended on the temperature and type of detritus: (i) cellulase activity tended to occur earlier with increasing temperatures, but it was less intense than at lower temperatures, (ii) no activity was observed in incubations with leachate, (iii) cellulase activity was observed in the incubation with integral detritus and lignocellulosic matrix and (iv) higher cellulase activity was observed in the incubations with integral detritus at 15oC (P < 0.05).