Comparison of organic matter in intermittent and perennial rivers of Mediterranean Chile with the support of citizen science

Kate Brintrup,Ricardo Figueroa,José Fernández,Katia Saez-Carrillo,Jorge Félez-Bernal,Mariela A Yevenes,Cecilia Amigo,Amparo Hernández,Andrea Butturini,Felipe Pérez

doi:10.1186/s40693-019-0083-3

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough intermittent rivers account for over half of the global fluvial network and could increase in length and quantity in Mediterranean climates (in response to climate changes), there is little documentation of organic matter input to them. This study was made possible by the cooperation of the Concepción Chiguayante School community and the Explora project (Chile), with the support of citizen science. The aim was to compare coarse particulate organic matter quantities and types in the Lonquén basin.MethodsSamplings were performed in two perennial rivers and two intermittent rivers. First, the riparian vegetation of the streams was characterized through photointerpretation and subsequently the organic matter accumulated in the selected river beds was quantified and typified. Spearman’s correlation was used.ResultsThe riparian vegetation was similar in both types of rivers, though significantly greater (p < 0.05) plant material accumulation was found in intermittent rivers compared to perennial rivers (1029 and 337 g m− 2, respectively). Likewise, there was a significant relationship among leaves, smaller organic matter, seeds, herbs and shrubs in intermittent rivers.ConclusionsThe results reveal the importance of the intermittent rivers that were sampled as transitory reservoirs of organic matter with high productive potential, especially in the first flood pulses, when this material is transported downstream.

Highlights

The transformation of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) into smaller particles and dissolved organic matter is fundamental to sustain all life forms in continental aquatic systems [35] and is considered one of the most important ecosystem processes in the biosphere [40]
Given the local importance of intermittent rivers in Mediterranean Chile to local economic activities and the biogeochemical importance of organic matter that accumulates in their beds during the dry phase, the objective of this study was to compare the quantities and types of organic matter that accumulates during the dry season in the intermittent and perennial river beds of Mediterranean Chile
The difference is thought to be due to a larger quantity of leaves, CPOMms, seeds, herbs and shrubs in the intermittent rivers

Summary

Introduction

The transformation of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) into smaller particles and dissolved organic matter is fundamental to sustain all life forms in continental aquatic systems [35] and is considered one of the most important ecosystem processes in the biosphere [40]. IRES account for more than half of the global fluvial network [1, 48] They account for 59% of the total length of Brintrup et al Revista Chilena de Historia Natural (2019) 92:3 the rivers in the United States of America [53] and it has been observed that due to anthropogenic pressures such as water extraction, land-use changes and global climate change phenomena [1, 37, 45], the flows of many perennial rivers are decreasing, extending their dry season and transforming them into intermittent or even ephemeral rivers in the short term [48]. The aim was to compare coarse particulate organic matter quantities and types in the Lonquén basin

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion