Effects of gamma irradiation on instream leaf litter decomposition

Abstract Leaf litter decomposition is a key process in stream ecosystems, the rates of which can vary with changes quality or its colonization by microorganisms. Decomposition streams increasingly used to compare ecosystem functioning globally, often requiring distribution across countries. It important understand whether sterilization, required some countries, alter and associated processes. We examined sterilization gamma irradiation (25 kGy) influenced rates, stoichiometry, invertebrates after weeks instream incubation within coarse-mesh fine-mesh litterbags. nine plant species from three families that varied widely chemistry but found mostly consistent responses, no differences numbers at end period. However, stoichiometry differed between irradiated control litter, greater nutrient losses (mostly phosphorus) former. Therefore, effects on should be taken into account studies focused not necessarily those least experimental timescale considered here.