Dahm, Clifford N.; Trotter, Eleonora H.; Sedell, James R. 1987. Role of anaerobic zones and processes in stream ecosystem productivity. In: Averett, Robert C.; McKnight, Diane M., eds. Chemical quality of water and the hydrological cycle. Chelsea, MI: Lewis Publishers, Inc.: 157-178.
The character of flowing waters in North America has changeddramatically since the days of early exploration and colonization.Channel complexity, debris accumulations, beaver activity, riparianvegetation, and the extent and structural diversity of the
floodplain have often been greatly reduced. These features allaffect the ability of a stream or river to trap, retain, and store
organic materials. Historically, accumulations of organic matterthat resulted in anaerobic interstitial waters were widespread and
commonplace in streams. Concentrations of ammonia, organic
nitrogen, organic carbon, organic phosphorus, phosphate, andnumerous metals are much greater within these zones. These regionsof the sediment represent important areas of nutrient regenerationand potential sites of eventual nutrient introduction into streamwaters. The overall productivity of stream ecosystems is enhancedby the greater nutrient availability represented by these regionswhere anaerobic processes occur and nutrients are recycled intosoluble, mobile forms.