Reaction of lotic periphyton to experimental acidification

Two hypotheses that could explain increases in the biomass and production of lotic periphytic communities in acidified habitats were tested: 1) a greater bioavailability of P due to its greater release from sediments at low pH, and 2) utilization of S from the H₂SO₄ addition. The experiments were performed in semi-natural conditions by submitting the periphyton to either continuous or episodic acidification. The uptake of P and S by periphyton were determined at different times during the treatments. The increases in P and S uptake, in acidified habitats, are compatible with both hypotheses and could account for the increase in periphytic biomass and production.