Abstract

Alakline phosphatase activity (AP A) as a phosphorus deficiency measurement in flowing waters and of microhabitats (rocks, wood, leaves, and sediments) was measured and its relationship to flux of nutrients and response to rainfall events were determined for two geologically different streams in west Alabama from August to November. Results indicated water column AP A in both streams had a low correlation with levels of orthophosphate, total organic phosphorus, nitrate, ammonia, dissolved organic carbon, and discharge (r=0.075-0.583; n=g-IU. Communities on rock surfaces showed a higher AP A level than those on wood and leaves. Sediment passed through a $106{\mu}m$ sieve showed 2-9 times higher AP A level than material passed through $425{\mu}m$ sieve. The first storm after drought at Yellow Creek introduced substantial quantities of DOC (2.5 times baseflow concentrations) and $N0_3-N$ (5.8 times baseflow concentrations) which did not affect AP A significantly. The second storm at Little Schultz Creek caused minor changes in nutrient cocentrations; however $N0_3-N$ levels and AP A were drastically lower due to the dilution effect. Retention of stream water AP A at Yellow Creek and Little Schultz Creek on $0.45{\mu}m$ filter (54 and 43%, respectively) and $0.22{\mu}m$ (83 and 77% of total APA. respectively) indicated more free dissolved portion of the enzyme was present at Little Schultz Creek. Little Schultz Creek (with carbonate and with a higher productivity and biomass) showed a consistantly greater AP A activity $(132{\pm}54\;{\mu}M{\cdot}1^{-1}{\cdot}min^{-I};\;n=g)$ than Yellow Creek $(41{\pm}23\;{\mu}M{\cdot}1^{-I}{\cdot}min^{-I}$, with a sandstone substrate; n=l1, $p{\leq}O.OO1)$. Overall, a greater APA on all microhabitats and the presence of more dissolved enzyme in Little Schultz Creek during the study period may indicates it is more P deficient than Yellow Creek.

Keywords

• Alkaline phosphatase activity;
• Geology;
• Microhabitats;
• Streams