The effect of macrofauna on porewater profiles and nutrient fluxes in the intertidal zone of the humber estuary

R. J.G. Mortimer, J. T. Davey, M. D. Krom, P. G. Watson, P. E. Frickers, R. J. Clifton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Macrofauna, nutrient fluxes, porewater chemistry and sediment characteristics were measured at Six intertidal mudflat sites in the Humber Estuary, U.K., during the different seasons. Nereis diversicolor, Macoma balthica and Corophium volutator were found to be the dominant macrofauna. Salinity was the baseline control on macrofauna distribution but this was overprinted by periodic impoverishment due to sediment mobilization. High resolution gel probe porewater samplers provided direct evidence for the impact of burrows on porewater chemistry. The macrofauna modified nutrient fluxes during periods of mud flat stability. Nereis caused a decrease in silicate and phosphate effluxes but enhanced ammonia release and nitrate uptake. Macoma enhanced ammonia and nitrite release. The impact of Corophium was not possible to discern. The Humber is a large, highly dynamic macrotidal estuary in which sediment resuspension has a large impact on porewater profiles, nutrient fluxes and macrofaunal communities. Simple patterns and inter-relationships which are seen in small sheltered estuaries are not observed in the Humber.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)683-699
Number of pages17
JournalEstuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Volume48
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Humber Estuary
  • Macoma balthica
  • Macrotidal
  • Nereis diversicolor
  • Nutrient fluxes
  • Porewater

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science

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