Beaver alter stable carbon isotope ratios of benthic particulate organic matter

Beaver are well known to influence the geomorphology and geochemistry of boreal waters, in addition to being prominent vectors in the selective import of deciduous coarse woody debris (CWD). Because the stable carbon isotope ratios of deciduous trees are lower than those of coniferous trees, the possibility exists that the δ13C values of particulate organic matter near beaver lodges may differ from those characteristic for littoral regions without beaver activity. In agreement with this supposition, δ13C was found to significantly increase in progressively smaller size fractions of CWD collected from near lodges, probably due to the more rapid breakdown, decomposition and disappearance of deciduous material.