Benthic phototrophic communities and the sediment-water exchange of oxygen, Mn(II), Fe(II), and silicic acid.

Benthic phototrophic communities contribute significantly to the primary production in shallow coastal environments. The implication is that these communities should acquire a substantial fraction of the nutrient pool which is available for primary production. Benthic phototrophic communities inhabit the surface layer of sediments which are exposed to light and may therefore exploit both the overlying water and the sediment as a nutrient source. After the spring bloom, when the standing stock of nutrients is depleted, benthic and pelagic primary production become dependent on nutrient regeneration. In shallow environments, sediments are important sites for nutrient regeneration during benthic carbon mineralisation. Nutrients which are regenerated in deeper layers and subsequently diffuse towards the sediment-water interface can be selectively removed by benthic phototrophic communities for assimilatory purposes.

The studies presented in this thesis consider the effect of benthic phototrophic communities on the sediment-water exchange of oxygen, dissolved manganese, dissolved iron and silicic acid.

Zie: Summary.

Summary

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