Metal and nutrient dynamics in decomposing tree litter on a metal contaminated site

Lotte Van Nevel; Jan Mertens; Andreas Demey; An De Schrijver; Stefaan De Neve; Filip M G Tack; Kris Verheyen

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2014.02.009

Metal and nutrient dynamics in decomposing tree litter on a metal contaminated site

Environ Pollut. 2014 Jun:189:54-62. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.02.009. Epub 2014 Mar 14.

Authors

Lotte Van Nevel¹, Jan Mertens², Andreas Demey³, An De Schrijver³, Stefaan De Neve⁴, Filip M G Tack⁵, Kris Verheyen³

Affiliations

¹ Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium. Electronic address: Lotte.VanNevel@UGent.be.
² Faculty of Applied Bioscience Engineering, University College Ghent, Ghent University Association, Schoonmeersstraat 52, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
³ Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
⁴ Department of Soil Management and Soil Care, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
⁵ Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

PMID: 24631973
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.02.009

Abstract

In a forest on sandy, metal polluted soil, we examined effects of six tree species on litter decomposition rates and accompanied changes in metal (Cd, Zn) and nutrient (base cations, N, C) amounts. Decomposition dynamics were studied by means of a litterbag experiment lasting for 30 months. The decomposition peak occurred within the first year for all tree species, except for aspen. During litter decomposition, high metal litter types released part of their accumulated metals, whereas low metal litter types were characterized by a metal enrichment. Base cations, N and C were released from all litter types. Metal release from contaminated litter might involve risks for metal dispersion towards the soil. On the other hand, metal enrichment of uncontaminated litter may be ecologically relevant as it can be easily transported or serve as food source.

Keywords: Base cations; Litter decomposition; Litterbags; Nitrogen; Trace metals; Tree species.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Carbon / analysis
Environmental Monitoring
Kinetics
Metals / analysis*
Models, Chemical
Nitrogen / analysis
Soil / chemistry*
Soil Pollutants / analysis*
Trees / physiology

Substances

Metals
Soil
Soil Pollutants
Carbon
Nitrogen