Detrital lipid dynamics in a blackwater stream: comparison of fast and
slow decomposing leaves
J. Vaun McArthur and Gary L. Mills
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802,
USA
Abstract
Temporal changes in eight different lipid classes (hydrocarbons, wax esters,
triglycerides, fatty acids, alcohols, sterols, monoglycerides, diglycerides,
and polar lipids) were followed during decomposition of two different
species of leaves (water oak, Quercus nigra, and sweetgum, Liquidambar
styraciflua) in a southeastern blackwater stream using chromarod thin-layer
chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID). Differences
were observed between the two species in the initial quantity and changes
over time of the major lipid classes. These differences in specific classes
may contribute to some of the observed patterns in rates of decomposition.
However, total lipid concentrations were fairly similar between the two
leaf species over time. TLC-FID was shown to be an effective tool in monitoring
the dynamics of leaf lipids during decomposition.
Key words
lipids, hydrocarbons, wax esters, fatty acid methyl esters, triglycerides,
fatty acids, alcohols, sterols, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polar lipids,
litter decomposition, TLC-FID, Iatroscan, Chromarods
SREL Reprint #3028
McArthur,
J. V. and G. L. Mills. 2007. Detrital lipid dynamics in a blackwater stream:
comparison of fast and slow decomposing leaves. Fundamental and Applied
Limnology 168(2):137-143.
