Impact of natural (storm) and anthropogenic (trawling) sediment resuspension on particulate organic matter in coastal environments

In order to assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic sediment resuspension on quantity, biochemical composition and bioavailability of particulate organic matter (POM), two field investigations were carried out in two shallow coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. In the Gulf of Lions, we investigated the impact of a storm resuspension of sediment, whereas in the Thermaikos Gulf we investigated the impact of bottom trawling.Resuspension in the Gulf of Lions determined the increase of sedimentation rates, modified the composition of the organic fraction of settling particles and decreased the labile fraction of POM, as indicated by a drop in the enzymatically hydrolysable amino acid fraction. The increase in the refractory fraction, following short-term storm-induced resuspension, increased also the contribution of glycine and decreased the contribution of aspartic acid contents to the total amino acid pools.Trawling activities in Thermaikos Gulf determined a significant increase in suspended POM concentrations and important changes in its biochemical composition. After trawling, the protein to carbohydrate ratio decreased (as a result of a major input of sedimentary carbohydrates at the water–sediment interface) and the fraction of enzymatically hydrolysable biopolymeric C decreased by ≈30%, thus reducing the bioavailability of resuspended organic particles. Results of the present study indicate that changes in suspended POM, induced by storms and trawling activities, can have similar consequences on benthic systems and on food webs. In fact, the potential benefit of increased organic particle concentration for suspension feeders, is depressed by the shift of suspended food particles towards a more refractory composition.     

Meiofaunal community structure in Thermaikos Gulf: Response to intense trawling pressure

Among the most important impacts of trawling is the disturbance of the benthic environment as well as the mortality of the larger benthic organisms, which is caused by the passage of the fishing gear. Meiofauna, which are among the smallest benthic organisms, may be more resistant to disturbance by trawling since they are likely to be re-suspended rather than killed by trawls. Their short generation times allow populations to withstand elevated mortality. In this study, we determined the effect of trawling disturbance, season and sediment type on the structure of meiofaunal communities in a commercial fishing ground in Thermaikos Gulf, north Aegean Sea, Greece. The trawling season is limited to 8 months between October and May. A grid of five nearshore stations was chosen along a north–south productivity gradient and an additional offshore station was included as a reference point. Sediment chemistry and meiofaunal community structure were studied before the trawling season started, as well as 1 and 4 months after the initiation of the fishing period. Results showed that there were no short term (30 days) trawling impacts on meiofauna in terms of abundance and community structure but that there were recognizable effects on the community structure of nematodes and the abundance of polychaetes. In contrast, most meiofaunal taxa displayed significant seasonal variability, 4 months after the initiation of the fishing period; however, other closely related factors such as temperature, sediment particle size and primary productivity are more likely to be responsible for the observed patterns.     

Simulating the fate of mechanically eroded masses in the Thermaikos Gulf

Benthic trawlers, through the scraping of the upper layers of the seabed sediment, are responsible for major alterations to the distribution of suspended matter in coastal areas. A major trawling site in Greece is that of the Gulf of Thermaikos, located in the NW Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). In an attempt to assess, for the first time, the quantities of the mobilized sedimentary masses and the properties of their motion in the aquatic domain of the Gulf of Thermaikos, a mathematical model has been formulated. The modeling approach includes the determination of the mechanical erosion rate, the production of turbulence due to the flow through the mesh of the net and the physical processes that control the propagation of the generated sedimentary plume in the marine environment. In the absence of information regarding the haul paths in the gulf, their determination was made stochastically, based on the existing legislative restrictions and trawlers' fishing practices. The trawling-activated masses thereby defined for the duration of the trawling period in the gulf were very high, indeed several times greater than the related contribution from the major rivers of the area, emphasizing the significance of the activity to the sedimentary input of the local marine environment. The total annual erosion by trawls in the gulf was calculated at 3.38×10⁶ t/yr. Τhe mean mechanical erosion rate per trawled surface (parameter free from the bias raised by the stochastic simulation of the trawl trajectories) was estimated at 430 g/m², values directly comparable to ones defined for similar coastal areas. Results from a simulation of the 2001–02 trawling period were well correlated with in-situ measurements for the same period, while the investigation of the matter's suspension level and times revealed that the matter exhibits low residence times in the water column and at the same time moves in the vicinity of the bed, contributing to the formation and distribution of benthic nepheloid layers in the gulf.     

Microbial food web contributions to bottom water hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Nutrients from the Mississippi/Atchafalaya Rivers greatly stimulate biological production in the ‘classical’ food web on the inner shelf of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Portions of this production, especially large diatoms and zooplankton fecal pellets, sink and decompose in the bottom water, consuming oxygen and contributing to the annual development of an extensive zone of bottom water hypoxia, typically >15,000 km² since 1993. The microbial food web is also active in the Mississippi River plume, but consists of small organisms that sink slowly. This ‘recycling’ food web has not been considered as a significant contributor to vertical flux and hypoxia. However, gelatinous zooplankton, especially pelagic appendicularians such as Oikopleura dioica, mediate the conversion of microbial web organisms to organic particles with high sinking rates. When pelagic appendicularians are abundant in coastal regions of the northern Gulf of Mexico, they stimulate the rapid vertical transfer of microbial web productivity in the surface layer, which is only 5–15 m thick in the coastal hypoxic region, to the sub-pycnocline layer that becomes hypoxic each summer. In this paper we present results from two studies examining the significance of this pathway. In both 2002 and 2004, we observed high production rates of appendicularians in coastal waters. Discarded gelatinous houses and fecal pellets from the appendicularian populations often provided more than 1 g m⁻² d⁻¹ of organic carbon for the establishment and maintenance of hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This source of organic matter flux is especially important in regions far from the river plumes and during periods of low river discharge. Autotrophic elements of this food web are primarily supported by recycled inorganic nutrients originating in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) supporting the heterotrophic components of this microbial food web may include in situ production, the Mississippi/Atchafalaya Rivers, and Louisiana's coastal wetlands. If significant, the latter source provides a possible link between Louisiana's high rates of coastal land loss and the large hypoxic zone observed along the coast during summer. Both of the latter DOM sources are independent of phytoplankton production stimulated by inputs of riverine inorganic nutrients.     

Dinoflagellate cysts in recent marine sediments from Thermaikos Gulf, Greece: Effects of resuspension events on vertical cyst distribution

A qualitative and semi-quantitative study of recent dinoflagellate cysts has been undertaken in the NW part of Aegean Sea, Thermaikos Gulf (Eastern Mediteranean), before (September 2001), during (October 2001) and after 120 days (February 2002) of intensive trawling activities. This is the first survey of recent dinoflagellate cysts from Greek marine coastal environments. Sediment samples were collected with a corer and the vertical distribution of the cysts was studied at five different layers, from 0 to 10 cm. Dinoflagellate cysts were both abundant and diverse. Cysts were found over the whole sampling area and periods, with concentrations ranging between 247–3202 cysts cm⁻³. Thirty-six cyst types were encountered, of which 32 were identified to species level, representing 12 genera. It seems that significant local resuspension, related to the onset of the trawling period and stirring up of the sediment, contributed to mixing of the upper layers, resulting to more homogenous cyst profiles in the sediment. Viable cysts constituted 16–60% of the total cyst abundance. The abundance peaks of viable cysts within the subsurface sediment layers, observed during the undisturbed period, disappeared during October. In February, the reduction of cyst concentration was associated to a loss of viable cysts, whilst the ratio of viable/empty cysts ranged between 0.30 and 0.67. The abundance of the different dinoflagellate species, in their active form, was monitored in order to detect any relationship between the concentration of cysts in the top 10 cm of sediment and blooms of algae in the water column. Cysts of potentially toxic species, causing Paralitic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), such as Alexandrium cf. tamarense, A. cf. affine, A. cf. minutum, as well as Gymnodinium catenatum, were detected in the cyst survey.     

Temporal and spatial variations in the geochemistry of major and minor particulate and selected dissolved elements of Thermaikos Gulf, Northwestern Aegean Sea

The objectives of this study were to examine both spatial and temporal changes of particulate major elements and minor metals, as well as dissolved Mn and Cd, in the waters of Thermaikos Gulf. Collections of water and suspended particulate matter (SPM), as depth profiles (5–8 depths), were undertaken at 10 principal stations, essentially on a N–S traverse of the western side of the Gulf.One of the principal aims of the study was to observe if there was any change in the patterning of the elements between the three occupations of the stations: (a) in September 2001, immediately before the commencement of trawling; (b) in October 2001, whilst fishing was active; and (c) in winter/early spring conditions (February 2002), when fishing was still active, but after a change of river/atmospheric conditions.Bottom (20 m) waters were dominated by sediment resuspension; this was identified by concentration changes in the aluminosilicate elements (e.g. Al, Ti, K, Fe) of the SPM. A two- to three-fold increase occurred between September and October, caused probably by trawling; this was sustained at the offshore stations, in February. During February, the western inshore stations showed little sediment resuspension, caused by extreme winter cooling and the sinking of water. Consequently, a N–S density discontinuity existed at all water depths, which prevented the thermohaline cyclonic circulation from penetrating into the western seaboard of the Gulf. The distribution of dissolved and particulate Mn in the lower waters was due to redox cycling of the element at the benthic boundary; this was more intense in the north, where the organic supply was higher.Biogenic element concentrations and Ca/Al, Si/Al ratios showed no evidence that trawling activity promoted higher biological production. Strong correlations of Co, Cr, Ni and V, with Al and K, showed that these elements were associated strongly with detrital aluminosilicates. However, the variable association of Cd, Pb and Zn, with K (and Al), especially in the upper waters, implied an anthropogenic source derived from the rivers and the city of Thessaloniki. Examination of the Kd's of Cd showed a two-order of magnitude decrease with depth, caused by resuspension and possible advection of relatively unpolluted sediments, into the western Gulf.     

Influence of food web structure on the biochemical composition of seston,zooplankton and recently deposited sediment in experimental freshwater mesocosms

The effects of food web structure on the quantity and biochemical composition of seston, zooplankton and recently deposited sediment in experimental freshwater mesocosms were examined. Food web structure was manipulated by addition of zooplanktivorous fish. Biochemical characterisations were carried out using lipid biomarkers (sterols, fatty acids, chlorophyll-derived compounds and long-chain alkanediols). Fish addition decreased zooplankton biomass and increased seston biomass and deposited sediment through a trophic cascade. Fish presence strongly influenced the biochemical characteristics of seston and sediment. In contrast, food web structure had a minor impact on the lipid biomarker composition of zooplankton. Although the relative abundance of sterols in the different compartments did not differ strongly between treatments, sterol profiles in seston and sediment depended on food web structure. The predominance of Δ⁷-sterols in seston and sediment in the fish treatment indicated a major contribution of Chlorophyceae. In contrast, the distribution of sterols in seston and sediment in the fishless treatment, dominated by cholesterol, indicated a major zooplanktonic input. The distribution of fatty acids and the relative abundance of chlorophyll-derived compounds and long-chain alkanediols agreed with the predominant contribution of phytoplankton or zooplankton to seston and sediment in the two treatments. The relative abundance of bacterial biomarkers suggested that the contribution of bacteria was rather low. The high relative abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the absence of stanols in sediments suggested low microbial reworking of organic matter in the recently accumulated sediments. The trophic cascade, generated by the addition of fish, increased the relative abundance of PUFAs in deposited organic matter, thus enhancing sediment quality and potential degradability.     

Th:U disequilibrium as an indicator of sediment resuspension in Thermaikos Gulf, northwestern Aegean Sea

²³⁴Th:²³⁸U disequilibria have been used extensively as tracers of particle dynamics in marine environments. ²³⁴Th (t_1/2=24.1 days) can be used as “proxy” for particle reactive pollutants, due to their similar rapid rate of scavenging onto particles and subsequent removal from the water column, to the sediments. Radioactive disequilibrium can be exploited to determine the rates and time-scales of processes occurring over days to months; in this instance the residence times of dissolved and particulate species with the benthic nepheloid layer (BNL).Three sampling cruises were undertaken in Thermaikos Gulf (NW Aegean Sea) during contrasting periods, to examine the impact of natural and anthropogenic activity on sediment resuspension. September and October 2001 represented background and trawling periods, respectively; January 2002 represented a mixed period, of trawling and storms.Dissolved ²³⁴Th is scavenged actively at the BNL, in the presence of suspended particulate material (SPM), with a mean residence time of 16 days. There is a weak inverse correlation between dissolved ²³⁴Th residence time and SPM concentration in the BNL, with the shortest residence times occurring during October 2001. No relationship was observed between particulate ²³⁴Th activities and SPM concentrations, indicating that particles are rapidly removed from the system, either by sinking or advection. The mean particulate ²³⁴Th residence time is 5 days.     

Bacterial biogas production in coastal systems affected by freshwater inputs

The concentrations of two greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄), and the bacterial processes involved in their production (nitrification and denitrification for N₂O, and methanogenesis for CH₄), were determined in surface waters of two coastal areas under the influence of freshwater inputs, on one part in the Gulf of Lions and the Rhone River plume, in northwestern Mediterranean Sea, and on the other part in the inner Thermaikos Gulf, in Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean Sea. High concentrations of dissolved CH₄ and N₂O were recorded in the surface waters of Gulf of Lions and Gulf of Thermaikos, up to 1300 nM for CH₄, and 40 nM for N₂O. No direct relationship could be found between the concentration and production of the biogases, as they may also be produced in deep water or bottom sediment in shallow areas, or derived from anthropogenic activity or ship contamination in polluted areas. Irrespective of the origin of CH₄ and N₂O, the presence of extremely high concentrations of these two gases in superficial seawater implies that they can easily escape to the atmosphere; consequently, these nearshore waters enriched in greenhouse gases may play an important role in the increase in atmospheric concentration of both CH₄ and N₂O.     

Effects of industrial outfalls on tropical macrobenthic sediment communities in Reunion Island (Southwest Indian Ocean)

Temporal changes in the composition of soft bottom macrobenthic assemblages at Reunion Island (Southwest Indian Ocean) were studied in the context of a long-term environmental monitoring programme studying the impacts of effluents of industrial sugar cane refineries that are transferred to shallow and deep coastal environments by different pathways: surface discharge and deep underground injection. Seven stations (between 20 and 160 m depth) were surveyed between 1994 and 2003 on the industrial zone. One additional station was surveyed on a reference site. Spatio-temporal changes in the composition of macrobenthic communities were assessed using several diversity indices, ABC curves, MDS and associated ANOSIM tests and biotic indices. Among the 171 taxa recorded, polychaetes were dominant (89 species), followed by crustaceans and molluscs. The analysis of spatial changes in the composition of macrobenthos showed the existence of distinct benthic communities along the depth gradient. Temporal changes in macrobenthos composition were most prominent at the shallowest station. They mainly corresponded to the decline of several initially dominant taxa and the increase of the Eunicid polychaete Diopatra cuprea. This station further showed increasing macrofaunal abundance, biomass and sediment organic content over time, concomitant with decreasing sediment grain sizes. In deeper environments, temporal changes were much smaller. Macrofaunal abundance and species richness increased progressively, suggesting a moderate impact on benthic ecosystems resulting from slight enrichments due to effluents rich in organic matter. Our results highlight an original response to disturbance pattern involving opportunistic Eunicidae species (D. cuprea) not previously described. Moreover, they allow for the comparison of the impact on macrofauna caused by industrial effluents exported by two distinct and different pathways in a tropical coastal high-energy marine environment.     

Sustainable impact of mussel farming in the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea): evidence from biochemical, microbial and meiofaunal indicators

We have investigated the impact of a large mussel farm on the benthic environment using a battery of benthic indicators of environmental quality (including biochemical, microbial and meiofaunal parameters). These were analysed through a multi-control sampling strategy over one year. The differences across the seasons are typically higher than those between the impacted and the control stations. No effects are seen in terms of the sediment oxygen penetration and the downward fluxes (as the total mass, organic and phytopigment fluxes). The indicators based on the biochemical compositions of the sediment organic matter and the microbial parameters also show no evidence of the eutrophication process, except as a slight increase in the bacterial density in the sediments beneath the long-lines of the farm during the period of highest mussel stocks. Finally, no effects are observed in terms of the benthic faunal indicators, as the meiofaunal abundance, the community structure and the taxa richness are all indistinguishable between the farm sediments and the controls. These results show that mussel farming in the investigated system is eco-sustainable and does not significantly alter the coastal marine ecosystem, both in terms of the functioning and the trophic state. The battery of indicators selected in this study represents a useful tool for the monitoring of the potential ecological impact of mussel farms, towards guaranteeing the sustainable development of aquacultures in shallow coastal environments.     

Water and sediment quality assessment of the Axios River and its coastal environment

The Axios River (Axios R.) receives substantial loads of nutrients, heavy metals and other compounds, resulting from anthropogenic activities within its catchment. Long-term trends in nutrients were assessed. Dissolved and particulate fluxes of nutrients and selected metals to the Thermaikos Gulf were calculated and finally, data evaluation with water and sediment quality criteria was performed. Dissolved nutrient concentrations exhibited intra-annual variations related to the agricultural practices of the drainage area with elevated autumn–winter NO₃ concentrations (related to fertilizers applied early spring) and high levels of total phosphorous in the summer attributed to point source pollution. Long-term inter-annual variability showed a 2.5-fold increase in nitrate concentration, coupled with a 3-fold decrease in water discharge. Elevated concentrations of dissolved Pb and As have been observed in the Axios R., and freshwater quality criteria for Pb were exceeded. Stream sediments exhibited high contents for Zn, Cr, Pb, and As, mainly originating in tailings and industrial effluents. On the other hand, a considerable portion of the heavy metals is derived from the weathering of ultra-mafic ophiolite complexes. Similar patterns were observed in the Thermaikos Gulf sediment chemistry; the geochemical signatures of the Axios and Aliakmon Rivers (Aliakmon R.), in respect to their contribution in heavy metals, were identified, as well as the impact of the Thessaloniki city. Quality criteria for both river and marine sediments were violated for As and Cr. Overall, the water and sediment quality of the Axios R. and the Thermaikos Gulf have been impacted by anthropogenic activities in the hinterland. The coastal waters and sediments do not appear to pose any threat to human health and aquatic life, however, the need for regular monitoring is highly recommended.     

Monitoring the physical forcing of resuspension events in the Thermaikos Gulf—NW Aegean during 2001–2003

This work constitutes an attempt to assess the relative importance of natural versus anthropogenic forcing for sediment resuspension on the shelf of the Thermaikos Gulf (NW Aegean) through a 2-year experiment in the framework of the E.U. project INTERPOL. Four periods of different hydrographic characteristics were identified, including two periods of stronger vertical homogenisation and two of stratified conditions. The former periods were characterized by stronger near-bed currents, while relatively weak internal wave motions dominated the periods of stratification. The near-bed currents showed strong coherence with the wind during the period of full homogenisation, whereas during stratification periods the wind provided indirect forcing evident mostly in the internal-wave bands. The site was too deep for the surface waves to cause any sediment resuspension. In conclusion, the observed near-bed currents at the site of interest did not appear to produce significant local resuspension of sediment; notably, the current-turbidity correlation suggested a shoreward transport of suspended material. The large-scale turbidity variability was rather related to the onset of the trawling period in mid-October 2001 and the increased riverine discharge in late summer/autumn 2002.     

Hydrology, circulation and distribution of particulate matter in Thermaikos Gulf (NW Aegean Sea), during September 2001–October 2001 and February 2002

The hydrography, circulation and distribution of particulate matter in Thermaikos Gulf (NW Aegean Sea) are described, for September 2001 and October 2001 and February 2002. The observations were obtained to assess the impact of anthropogenic and natural resuspension processes on the coastal ecosystem. The first two periods represent highly stratified conditions and mild weather conditions; in September trawling is prohibited, whilst the October cruise took place following the commencement of the activity. The sampling in February was undertaken to record the contribution of natural resuspension to the system, in a stormy period.The water circulation was mainly baroclinic during autumn and barotropic in winter; this was due to vertical homogenisation of the water column, during the latter period. The distribution of the bottom nepheloid layer (BNL) was very different in the winter than in the autumn.Microstructure measurements were undertaken, which allowed the vertical eddy diffusivity to be estimated, together with the near-bed shear stresses. Computation of the diffusive flux of particulate matter (PM), from the BNL into the intermediate water column in response to turbulent motions, reveals that the PM flux was much higher in October than in September; this is despite the fact that the friction velocities were similar. This observation could explain partly the observed higher PM concentrations (PMC) in the intermediate layer, in October. Likewise suggest that the higher PMC in October could be attributed to trawling. The limited shear stress and friction velocity values obtained during the September and October cruises were always low; these were possibly capable of resuspending only recently deposited, “fluffy” material. Thus, the observed nepheloid layers are likely to be maintained by advection from the shallow water regions and trawled areas.     

Influence of tuna penning activities on soft bottom macrobenthic assemblages

The influence of tuna penning on soft bottom habitat present in the vicinity of tuna pens and at distances 200 m and 1.5 km away, was assessed by comparing attributes of macroinvertebrate assemblages and sediment quality before (November 2000, March 2001) and after (November 2001, April 2002) initiation of the activity. Results from November 2001 indicated a significant increase in sediment organic carbon and organic nitrogen, and a non-significant increase in the abundance of Capitellidae in the vicinity of the cages. Similar results were obtained 200 m from the cages but not 1.5 km away, where the only change was a significant increase in organic nitrogen in sediment. Results from April 2002 indicated no significant change in sediment organic carbon and organic nitrogen, however, mean sediment grain size decreased significantly in the immediate vicinity of the cages. Changes in attributes of the benthic assemblages and sediment resulted from accumulation of uneaten feed-fish on the seabed.     

Lysosomal membrane stability and metallothionein content in Mytilus galloprovincialis (L.), as biomarkers. Combination with trace metal concentrations

The simultaneous study of two biomarkers, the lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) of the digestive gland and the metallothionein (MT) content of the digestive gland, the gills and the mantle/gonad complex of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was examined in an enclosed estuarine system in June and October 2001. Mussels were collected along the Gulf of Thermaikos (northern Greece) from stations displaying a pollution gradient, while Olympiada in the Gulf of Strymonikos was used as a reference station. In addition, the heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) content, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), were evaluated in the digestive gland, the gills and the mantle/gonad complex of mussels collected from the same sites and seasons. LMS values were significantly greater, and the MT content of the studied tissues were significantly less in mussels collected from the reference station compared to mussels from more polluted stations located in the Gulf of Thermaikos. Significant correlation was observed between the MT content of the gills and the mantle/gonad complex with the LMS values.     

Benthic community response to habitat variation: A case of study from a natural protected area,the Celestun coastal lagoon

Little information currently exists on spatial and temporal benthic community variations in tropical coastal lagoons. Here, the benthic community response to habitat variation in the Celestun coastal lagoon, northwest Yucatan peninsula, was seasonally examined during the 1994–1995 climatic cycle into a grid of 12 sampling sites distributed along the salinity gradient of the lagoon. Habitat variation was assessed through physical factors associated both to the water column (e.g. salinity) and the bottom sediment (e.g. sand, silt and clay fractions). The benthic community response was assessed through species diversity measures and abundance. Under the influence of climatic seasonality, variations in habitat conditions followed by changes in the benthic community characteristics were expected. Results from two-way ANOVAs showed that for the period of study, Celestun lagoon was more heterogeneous along the spatial axis of variability than along the temporal one. Multiple regression analysis showed that salinity was spatially the main factor influencing the benthic community characteristics. Temporally, the sediment characteristics were observed to exert significant effects on the species diversity characteristics but not on abundance. Other variables assessed (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and water column transparency) exhibited no significant covariance with species diversity and abundance. Since generated from historical data, these results have the potential to be useful as a benchmark to the establishment of monitoring programs in the light of the increasing anthropogenic pressure on the natural resources of the lagoon and surrounding coastal area.     

Sedimentary inputs and oxygen uptake by the sediment in Lake Geneva (Switzerland)

Sediment cores and sediment traps were collected twice a month in two 35 m deep stations of Lake Geneva (Switzerland). The organic input sedimenting to the bottom is equal to 157 g C m⁻²y⁻¹ in station 1, to 214 g C in station 2. In spite of this difference, the oxygen uptake by the sediment (OUS) is similar in both locations (46–47 g C m⁻²y⁻¹). The oxygen uptake by the matter sedimenting to the bottom (OUSM) is respectively 45 g C m⁻²y⁻¹ and 41 g C in stations 1 and 2. The equivalence between OUS and OUSM implies that most of the sedimented matter arriving to the bottom is directly oxidized at the sediment surface. In station 1, OUS is positively correlated to OUSM, and OUSM is positively correlated to chlorophyll-a concentrations in the water column (0–20 m) one week before sediment sampling. In location 2, OUS is positively correlated to the percentage of organic carbon and nitrogen in the sedimented matter, negatively to its C:N ratio. Increasing allochthonous inputs have a negative influence on benthic respiration. At both sites, OUS is not directly related to macrobenthic biomass or to temperature of bottom water.     

Massive sedimentation of fine sediment with organic matter and enhanced benthic-pelagic coupling by an artificial dyke in semi-enclosed Chonsu Bay, Korea

To assess the impact of an artificial dyke in Chonsu Bay (CBD) on the organic carbon (C(org)) cycle, we measured excess (210)Pb activities, C(org) and nitrogen content in sediment cores. The C(org) oxidation rates (C(ox)) on the surface sediment and benthic nutrient fluxes were also quantified with an in situ benthic chamber. The higher excess (210)Pb inventory, C(org) and nitrogen in cores near the CBD indicated lateral transport and local, massive deposition of particulate matter due to tidal circulation altered by artificial dyke construction. The C(ox) in sediment near the CBD was about twice as high as that out of the bay, suggesting the importance of benthic remineralization of organic matter. The benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate were four to six times higher than those outside the bay, corresponding to 141% and 131% respectively, of the requirements for primary production.     

Viriobenthos in aquatic sediments: variability in abundance and production and impact on the C-cycle

In the last 15 years viruses have been acknowledged as important components of the benthic microbial community, but our understanding of their role in the functioning of aquatic systems remains poor. Viruses can affect bacterial assemblages and mineralization activities, but the extent of their influence remains unclear. We synthesised available data on viriobenthos dynamics to understand which factors drive the variability in their abundance and production and to quantify their influence on the benthic carbon cycle. Results highlighted a large variability in viral abundance (from 2 × 10⁸ to 7 × 10⁹ virus ml^?1) and production estimates (from 1 × 10⁷ to 5 × 10⁸ virus ml^?1 h^?1) obtained with different techniques. This variability limits the comparability of data across studies and indicates the need to improve protocols and develop standard methods. The dynamics of viruses infecting prokaryotes appeared linked to prokaryotic metabolism, supporting the hypothesis that benthic viruses originate directly in the sediment as a result of infection events rather than sinking from the water column. Sediment characteristics (porosity, temperature, depth) appeared to effect viral production, mostly indirectly by influencing bacterial productivity and abundance, but possibly also interfering with the rate of virus–host encounter. Conversely, trophic status appeared unrelated to viral parameters. Viral contribution to carbon turnover appeared low and unrelated to temperature, water depth, trophic status and salinity. More detailed studies are needed to understand the pelagic contribution to the viriobenthos and the extent to which dissolved organic carbon released by viruses is effectively used by bacteria.