title: Metal and nutrient dynamics in decomposing tree litter on a metal contaminated site.
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.
authors.affiliation: Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium. Electronic address: Lotte.VanNevel@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Lotte
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van Nevel
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Applied Bioscience Engineering, University College Ghent, Ghent University Association, Schoonmeersstraat 52, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mertens
authors.affiliation: Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demey
authors.affiliation: Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
authors.forename: An
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Schrijver
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Management and Soil Care, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stefaan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Neve
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Filip M G
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Tack
authors.affiliation: Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Verheyen
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007700:Kinetics; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen
keywords: Base cations; Litter decomposition; Litterbags; Nitrogen; Trace metals; Tree species