Salmon-derived nitrogen delivery and storage within a gravel bed: Sediment and water

[Editor]

Publication year: 2010
Source: Ecological Engineering, Volume 36, Issue 9, September 2010, Pages 1167-1173</br>
John F., Rex , Ellen L., Petticrew</br>
Post-spawning salmon carcasses are broadly recognized as a source of organic matter- and marine-derived nutrients (MDN) in Pacific salmon streams, but MDN delivery and retention processes are not well understood. Recent studies emphasize the interaction of inorganic particulate matter and salmon organic matter, through flocculation, as a delivery mechanism for MDN to the streambed. This study builds upon previous flocculation studies to look at nitrogen delivery and storage within the gravel bed of a re-circulating flume. Findings indicate that nitrogen storage in surface and interstitial water is lower than sediment-associated nitrogen. Flocculation of salmon organic matter and inorganic sediment is...</br>

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[ACW]

For many years i have held that plenty of dead spawners ,help provide the nuitrients for growth of many spawning area inhabitants, a reverse flow of nuitrient ,upstream rather than down stream .

 

[Editor]

Agree! The Pacific migration in particlular transfers massive amounts of sea nutrients inland. Even the trees show the evidence. They do drop salmon carcasses into the headwaters of streams they are trying to restore over there.

Colin