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Biodeposition by salt-marsh invertebrates

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Abstract

The importance of salt-marsh invertebrate biodeposits in biogeochemical cycles is discussed. Yearly biodeposition rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, maganese, copper, zinc, and molybdenum are reported for 5 invertebrate species. The 5 species (Littorina irrorata, Arcatula demissa, Polymesoda caroliniana, Uca pugnax and U. pugilator) deposit 1709 g dry weight m2 year-1, of which 455 g m2 year-1 is organic material. Calculations suggest that the invertebrates are capable of processing 53% of the marsh's yearly production, but the actual amount utilized is probably substantially less than this.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Georgia Marine Institute, Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA

    J. N. Kraeuter

  2. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 23480, Wachapreague, Virginia, USA

    J. N. Kraeuter

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  1. J. N. Kraeuter
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Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark

Contribution No. 716 from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Contribution No. 295 from the University of Georgia Marine Institute.

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Kraeuter, J.N. Biodeposition by salt-marsh invertebrates. Marine Biology 35, 215–223 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396870

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