Ecosystem functions

Ecosystem functions

RESIST targets four inherently linked functional attributes:

CPOM degradation

Coarse Particulate Organic Matter (CPOM) degradation is a key function particularly in forest streams, where the process is jointly performed by microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) and detritivorous invertebrates

DOC degradation

DOC results from CPOM degradation and organic pollution and DOC degradation appears to be mainly performed by bacteria

Food web complexity

Food web complexity refers amongst others to the number of species involved in a food web and their connection by trophic links, which integrate autochthonous and allochthonous sources, consumers and decomposers

Nutrient cycling

Cycling of nutrients is an important component of lotic systems since primary producers mostly depend on the nutrients recycled by microorganisms