Ecosystem functions
RESIST targets four inherently linked functional attributes:
CPOM degradation
Coarse Particulate Organic Matter (CPOM) degradation is a key function particularly in forest streams, where the process is jointly performed by microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) and detritivorous invertebrates
DOC degradation
DOC results from CPOM degradation and organic pollution and DOC degradation appears to be mainly performed by bacteria
Food web complexity
Food web complexity refers amongst others to the number of species involved in a food web and their connection by trophic links, which integrate autochthonous and allochthonous sources, consumers and decomposers
Nutrient cycling
Cycling of nutrients is an important component of lotic systems since primary producers mostly depend on the nutrients recycled by microorganisms