Significance of atmospheric deposition to freshwater ecosystems in the southern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

The Iberian Peninsula is close to the Saharan Desert, which is the biggest source of atmospheric aerosols of the World. Currently, it is recognized that atmospheric deposition of aerosols over ecosystems is a significant source not only of elements with gaseous phases but also of rock-derived ones. In the last years we have been quantifying the atmospheric flux of elements and substances of biogeochemical interest on the aquatic ecosystems of the South Iberian Peninsula, and their impact on their functioning and structure. The results we are obtaining indicate that atmospheric contribution of P and Ca are essential to explain the functioning of high mountain lakes, and that atmospheric input of organic matter partially supports the pelagic food web of these ecosystems. In this article we offer a summary of some of the results obtained to date. © Asociación Española de Limnología.