Patterns of hydrological exchange and nutrient transformation in the hyporheic zone of a gravel-bottom stream: examining terrestrial- aquatic linkages

Freshwater Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

The terrestrial-aquatic interface beneath a riparian corridor was investigated as a region of hydrological and biological control of nutrient flux. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the hyporheic zone ranged from <1.0 to 9.5 mg l-1 due to permeability variations in bankside sediments. DO concentration was related to the proportion of stream water in the lateral hyporheic zone, indicating that the channel water was the DO source. The magnitude and timing of lateral water exchange was linked to previously published studies of nitrification and denitrification. Both nitrification potential and channel exchange decreased with distance from the channel and were absent at sites lacking effective exchange, due to low DO. Field amendment of ammonium to an aerobic flow path indicated nitrification potential under natural hydrological conditions. Denitrification potential was inversely related to channel exchange and was insignificant in channel sediments. Field amendment of acetylene plus nitrate to a flow path with low DO and minimal channel exchange indicated denitrification of amended nitrate. 

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Patterns of hydrological exchange and nutrient transformation in the hyporheic zone of a gravel-bottom stream: examining terrestrial- aquatic linkages
Series title Freshwater Biology
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2427.1993.tb00762.x
Volume 29
Issue 2
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 16 p.
First page 259
Last page 274
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