In situ organism-sediment interactions: Bioturbation and biogeochemistry in a highly depositional estuary.

ABSTRACT: Organic matter (OM) production and degradation is important in coastal estuaries, and OM fate is strongly influenced by the coupled interactions of bioturbation and biogeochemistry. From April to September 2013 sediment cores and a benthic observing system, Wormcam, were used to investigate the in situ relationship of biogeochemistry and macrofauna bioturbation in Cape Lookout Bight North Carolina. Wormcam imagery provided a vivid depiction of macrofauna functioning in an environment not previously observed, and affirmed the importance of fine-scale temporal observations of the benthic environment in situ. Observation of macrofauna presence and bioturbation during the summer contradicted previous studies that found this area to be azoic during methane activity and sulfide build-up. Sulfate

SUBMITTER: Sturdivant SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5703450 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature