Biogeochemical cycling in an organic-rich coastal marine basin. 5. Sedimentary nitrogen and phosphorus budgets based upon kinetic models,mass balances,and the stoichiometry of nutrient regeneration

The rapid rates of sediment accumulation (~ 10–20 cm/yr) in the recently formed Cape Lookout Bight, North Carolina, have resulted in the deposition of approximately 157 moles of carbon, 14 moles of nitrogen and 1.3 moles of phosphorus, per square meter annually. The metabolism of the organic matter in these anoxic sediments is dominated by sulfate reduction and fermentation reactions. Sedimentary nitrogen and phosphorus budgets are estimated using 3 related approaches: 1) a kinetic model of solid phase diagenesis; 2) direct measurements of nutrient burial and regeneration; and 3) nutrient recycling rates estimated from annual rates of sulfate reduction and the SO₄:NH₄ and SO₄:PO₄ stoichiometry of nutrient regeneration. The mass balances derived agree reasonably well and indicate that approximately 30% of the total nitrogen and 15% of the total phosphorus deposited in these sediments are recycled. The kinetics of nutrient regeneration are rapid. The mean residence time for recycled nutrients within the sediment is 4 to 6 months for nitrogen and 1.5 to 2 years for phosphorus. Nearly 60% of the total nitrogen regeneration and 90% of the total phosphorus regeneration occur during the 4 month summer period of June through September. Nitrogen regeneration, like carbon, appears to be controlled by the microbially-mediated metabolism of labile organic matter. The greater asymmetry and lower percent turnover in phosphorus cycling is apparently due to changes in its solubility under oxidized and reduced conditions and selective regeneration prior to deposition.