Spatio-temporal variability in benthic mineralization processes in the eastern English Channel

TitleSpatio-temporal variability in benthic mineralization processes in the eastern English Channel
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsRauch, M, Denis, L
JournalBiogeochemistry
Volume89
Pagination163–180
ISSN0168-2563
Abstract

The effect of phytodetritus derived from Phaeocystis sp. bloom on benthic mineralization processes has been determined at four intertidal stations along the French coast of the eastern English Channel. Sites were chosen to offer a diversity of sediment types, from permeable sandy beach to estuarine mudflats. Sediment Oxygen Demand (SOD) as well as total fluxes of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) at the sediment-water interface were determined by using whole core incubation technique and diffusive fluxes were predicted from interstitial water concentrations. In the absence of phytodetritus deposits, a marked gradient of granulometric characteristics and organic matter contents were observed, and resulted in more intensive mineralization processes in muddy sediments. Highly significant correlations (P

DOI10.1007/s10533-008-9191-x