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| Benthic respiration and nitrogen release in Buzzards Bay,
Massachusetts
Banta, GT | Giblin, AE | Hobbie, JE | Tucker, J
Journal of Marine Research [J. MAR. RES.]. Vol. 53, no. 2, pp.
107-135. 1995.
The decomposition of organic matter and the regeneration of
nitrogen in the sediments of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts were
examined by measuring benthic fluxes of oxygen and dissolved
inorganic nitrogen (DIN). Benthic respiration (O sub(2)
consumption) rates measured from one site yielded an estimate of
65-80 g C m super(-2) oxidized annually. Comparing the annual
release of DIN with the consumption of O sub(2) led to an estimate
of N loss from the benthic-pelagic system, most likely as N sub(2)
gas via denitrification, corresponding to 14-32% of the N
remineralized from organic matter decomposition. Using path
analysis, benthic flux rates of O sub(2) and DIN over a seasonal
cycle in Buzzards Bay were determined to be related to water
temperature and sediment photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a
and phaeopigments). The rate of DIN release was also negatively
related to the particulate organic N (PON) pool as well. The
relationship of benthic fluxes to sedimentary pigment
concentrations suggested that pigments were good indicators of
labile organic matter input to sediments. Macrofauna appeared to
have a direct negative effect, as well as a positive indirect
effect on DIN release. Benthic respiration rates were not related
to sedimentary particulate organic C (POC) or PON content, or
macrofaunal abundances. Release rates of DIN were also unrelated
to POC pools. Benthic flux rates measured at 12 sites in Buzzards
Bay during August 1989 varied by less than a factor of 2 for
benthic respiration and less than a factor of 3 for DIN release.
The only environmental factor that emerged from path analysis as
related (negatively) to the spatial pattern of benthic flux rates
in August was water depth. Other factors, such as organic pools.
pigment concentrations, macrofauna, and distance from the New
Bedford sewage outfall were not related to the spatial patterns of
benthic fluxes in Buzzards Bay. The combination of seasonal and
spatial observations indicate that the processes oxidizing organic
matter in Buzzards Bay sediments are controlled by temperature and
the delivery of labile organic matter to the sediment surface.
Benthic flux rates in Buzzards Bay were generally low, but N
recycling efficiency was high, relative to similar coastal
environments.
 Descriptors: Article Subject Terms benthos | cycling nutrients | dissolved inorganic
matter | microorganisms | nitrogen | nutrient cycles | organic matter | oxygen consumption | pigments | respiration | sediment chemistry | sediments | water temperature | zoobenthos | Article Geographic Terms ANW, USA,
Massachusetts, Buzzards Bay
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