Publication Date:
2018-02-15
Description:
Loss of bioturbating key species from marine sediments has been shown to strongly reduce benthic biogeochemical
cycling and ecosystemfunctioning. It is thus of paramount importance to identify key bioturbators and quantify
their effect on biogeochemical processes. To do so trait based community and species bioturbation potential
(BPc and BPi) was mapped for 423 North Sea stations in the German Bight. Mapping of BPc and BPi identified
Amphiura filiformis, Echinocardium cordatum and Nucula nitidosa as major bioturbating species in the German
Bight. The effects of these species on benthic nutrient flux (i.e., changing concentrations of silicate Δ[SiO2], ammonium Δ[NH4+], nitrate Δ[NO3−] and nitrite Δ[NO2−]) were quantified in laboratory experiments together
with their bioturbation rate (Db) and bioirrigation activity. The experiments indicated that mapped species
bioturbation potential (BPi) may be a poor tool for identifying key bioturbators while calculated experimental
BPi (expBPi)was a good indicator for species impact on biogeochemical cycling. Out of the three investigated species only E. cordatum significantly influenced biogeochemical cycling, whereas the effect of A. filiformis remained inconclusive potentially because arm damage and regeneration may affect the bioturbation activity of many
individuals. The bivalve N. nitidosa showed only little impact on biogeochemical cycling, although this species
was found to be an active bioturbator. Accordingly, E. cordatum may be considered one of the most important
contributors to biogeochemical cycling at the sediment-water interface in the German Bight.
Repository Name:
EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
Type:
Article
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isiRev
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