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Shifts in composition of microbial communities of subtidal sandy sediments maximise retention of nutrients
Citation
Forehead, HI and Thomson, P and Kendrick, GA, Shifts in composition of microbial communities of subtidal sandy sediments maximise retention of nutrients, FEMS Microbiology Ecology: (Federation of European Microbiological Societies), 83, (2) pp. 279-298. ISSN 0168-6496 (2013) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1574-6941.2012.01472.x
Abstract
The density and composition of microbial communities of subtidal sandy sediments
determines their role in the cycling of nutrients in coastal waters. It has
previously been found that sediments disturbed by waves and currents have
reduced biomass, greater productivity to respiration (P/R) ratios and a tendency
to take up nutrients. Conversely, with shelter and greater biomass, P/R
ratios were smaller and nutrients released. This study, in warm temperate
waters, examined the consequences of high and low levels of hydrodynamic
energy on the microbial community structure and biogeochemistry at two locations
at different times of year. Measurements included biomarkers, sediment
properties and exchanges of gases and nutrients. Microbial communities were
dominated by diatoms and bacteria. Exposed sites, relative to paired sheltered
sites, had smaller ratios of bacteria to benthic microalgae (BMA), larger C/N
ratios, smaller indices of diagenetic activity, but smaller P/R ratios. The bacteria
in exposed sediments exhibited biomass-normalised rates of respiration almost
double those in sheltered sediments. This increased activity was most likely
fuelled by elevated concentrations of photosynthates, secreted by BMA attached
to sand grains. Changes in community composition owing to different levels of
disturbance led to shifts in functioning that resulted in consistently small
exchanges of nutrients.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | trophic index, autotrophy, biogeochemistry, microphytobenthos, sediment carbon |
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Microbiology |
Research Field: | Microbial ecology |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Marine systems and management |
Objective Field: | Marine biodiversity |
UTAS Author: | Forehead, HI (Dr Hugh Forehead) |
ID Code: | 89603 |
Year Published: | 2013 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 7 |
Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
Deposited On: | 2014-03-08 |
Last Modified: | 2014-05-28 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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