@article{13e742780ee7492b8947e056ad8db12b,
title = "Impacts of multiple stressors on ecosystem function: Leaf decomposition in constructed urban wetlands",
abstract = "The impact of stormwater on stream biota is well documented, but less is known about the impacts on ecosystem processes, such as the breakdown of organic matter. This study sought to establish whether the degree of urbanisation affected rates of leaf-litter breakdown within constructed wetlands. A litter bag method was used to ascertain rate of decomposition along a gradient of urbanisation (total imperviousness, TI), in constructed wetlands in western and south-eastern Melbourne. A significant positive relationship between TI and breakdown rate was found in the south-eastern wetlands. The significant reduction in rate of invertebrate-mediated breakdown with increasing concentration of certain metals was consistent with other studies. However, overall there was an increase in rate of breakdown. Studies have shown that the effects of heavy metals can be negated if nutrient levels are high. Our results suggest that other parameters besides exposure to contaminants are likely to affect leaf litter breakdown. ",
keywords = "Decomposition, Ecology, Ecosystems, Heavy metals, Metals, Storms, Constructed wetlands, Ecosystem functions, Leaf bags, Leaf decompositions, Leaf litter breakdowns, Litter bag methods, Stormwaters, Total imperviousness, Wetlands, chromium, copper, heavy metal, mercury, water pollutant, constructed wetland, decomposition, environmental stress, invertebrate, leaf litter, stormwater, Article, Australia, conductance, controlled study, environmental exposure, environmental impact assessment, litter decomposition, pH, physical chemistry, plant leaf, Southern Hemisphere, turbidity, urban area, water quality, wetland, analysis, animal, chemistry, drug effects, ecosystem, ecosystem restoration, microbiology, microflora, sediment, toxicity, urbanization, water pollutant, Australia, Melbourne, Victoria [Australia], Invertebrata, Animals, Ecosystem, Environmental Restoration and Remediation, Geologic Sediments, Invertebrates, Metals, Heavy, Microbiota, Plant Leaves, Urbanization, Water Microbiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Wetlands",
author = "Mackintosh, {Teresa J.} and J.A. Davis and Thompson, {Ross M.}",
year = "2016",
month = jan
doi = "10.1016/j.envpol.2015.08.038",
language = "English",
volume = "208",
pages = "221--232",
journal = "Environmental Pollution",
issn = "0269-7491",
publisher = "Elsevier",
number = "Part A",
}