Poster Details
PATTERNS IN POLYPHOSPHATE STORAGE ACROSS A GRADIENT OF PHOSPHOROUS ENRICHMENT
Accurately assessing how algal-dominated biofilms in streams respond to anthropogenic phosphorous enrichment is crucial for the management and restoration of these ecosystems. Understanding phosphorous storage dynamics particularly in the form of polyphosphate can assist in creating more effective nutrient criteria. The purpose of this study was to examine polyphosphate storage dynamics across a gradient of agricultural impairment in 19 Pennsylvania streams. This study sought to determine the quantity of polyphosphate stored in response to phosphorous availability. There was a positive correlation between SRP and polyphosphate storage. The type of algal community also influenced polyphosphate storage where Cladophora-dominated algal assemblages had more polyphosphate. Results indicate that biofilms can store polyphosphate in both low and high phosphorus streams. It is possible that the presence of polyphosphate under oligotrophic conditions is indicative of a stress response to low phosphorus, while under extremely eutrophic conditions it is indicative of the use of phosphate as an energy source by polyphosphate-accumulating microorganisms.
Aaron Gordon-Weaver (Primary Presenter/Author), Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, amg43366@gmail.com;
Corey Conville (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bloomsburg University, cjc37025@huskies.bloomu.edu;
Jennifer Tuomisto (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bloomsburg University, jat8435@huskies.bloomu.edu;
Steven Rier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, srier@commonwealthu.edu;