Abstract
Abstract Freshwater ecosystems are highly susceptible to the impacts of global climate change, including extreme events such as floods and droughts. These impacts may be influenced by the presence of widespread invasive alien species, such as the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Cyrenidae). The high density and biomass attained by C. fluminea in the Minho River (NW Iberian Peninsula) are responsible for several ecological impacts. By using a manipulative experiment under natural conditions, we assessed the effects of C. fluminea die‐offs on the structure of microbial (fungi and bacteria) and invertebrate communities and leaf‐litter breakdown. Results suggested that C. fluminea die‐offs did not affect the structure of microbial and invertebrate communities nor litter breakdown rate. However, differences in temporal dynamics were detected and followed an ecological succession during the experiment. Our study revealed that the presence of live C. fluminea stimulated fungal biomass and leaf mass loss, probably due to an increased availability of nutrients via production of faeces and pseudofaeces.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
