Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 on Plant Detritus Nutritional Quality and Heterotrophic Utilization in Aquatic Ecosystems

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AbstractWetzel-9911237Effects Of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 On Plant Detritus Nutritional Quality And Heterotrophic Utilization In Aquatic EcosystemsThe influence of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels on aquatic ecosystems is relatively ignored compared to research occurring in terrestrial systems. The proposed research will examine the influence of leaves grown under elevated carbon dioxide levels on stream microbial communities and selected small animals and insects. Aspen trees will be grown under identical conditions except one set will be exposed to elevated carbon dioxide. The microbial colonization of these two sets of leaves in streams will be studied to determine how leaf quality affects utilization and loss of leaf litter. This processed litter will then be fed to crustaceans and insects to determine a potential impact of global change.