Effects of sedimentary sulfide on community structure, population dynamics, and colonization depth of macrozoobenthos in organic-rich estuarine sediments. Issue 1 (15th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kanaya, Gen; Uehara, Tadayasu; Kikuchi, Eisuke
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 109:Issue 1(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2016-08-15
• Subjects: Brackish lagoon -- Community structure -- Sulfide -- Macrozoobenthos -- Sediment -- Recolonization; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: An annual field survey and in situ recolonization experiment revealed the effects of sedimentary sulfide (H2 S) on macrozoobenthos in a eutrophic brackish lagoon. Species diversity was much lower throughout the year in muddy opportunist-dominant sulfidic areas. Mass mortality occurred during warmer months under elevated H2 S levels. An enclosure experiment demonstrated that sedimentary H2 S modified community composition, size structure, and colonization depth of macrozoobenthos. Species-specific responses to each sediment type (sand, sulfidic mud, and mud with H2 S removed) resulted in changes in the established community structure. Dominant polychaetes ( Hediste spp., Pseudopolydora spp., and Capitella teleta ) occurred predominantly in a thin surface layer in the presence of H2 S. On the other hand, organic-rich mud facilitated settlement of polychaete larvae if it does not contain H2 S. These results demonstrate that sediment characteristics, including H2 S level and organic content, were key structuring factors for the macrozoobenthic assemblage in organically polluted estuarine sediments. Highlight: Annual field survey and enclosure experiment were conducted in Gamo Lagoon, Japan. Sedimental H2 S controlled defaunation-recolonization cycle of opportunistic infauna. Size structure and colonization depth of infauna were modified by sedimental H2 S. Organic-rich muddy sediment facilitated the settlement of polychaete larvae. Sediment characteristics were key structuring factors in the benthic community.