The Effects of an Aquatic Detritivore on the Release of Inorganic N and P from Decomposing Leaf Litter

Abstract

The effect of detritus-feeding snails on the appearance of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) in water containing decomposing tulip poplar leaves was examined. Significantly lower amounts and rates of appearance of DIN were observed in systems which contained snails than in systems without snails. Higher DIN levels were noted in systems in which leaf material was agitated as compared with systems in which material was not agitated. No significant differences were noted with respect to DIP levels in the presence or absence of snails. Highly variable and apparently unsystematic fluctuations in DIP were observed in all experimental situations.