Dirk Frankenberg

FLUX OF ORGANIC MATTER THROUGH A SALT MARSH

ABSTRACT To refine our knowledge of the functional aspects of salt marshes, we have undertaken a study of the transfers of organic matter from primary producers through consumers to CO2 in terms of quality and quantity of carbon compounds. In addition to production of particulate material, we find sources of soluble carbon compounds which may be significant. These include losses from both living and dead macrophytes, primarily Spartina, from algae in water and sediments, from excretion and feces of consumers, and from biological processes in the sediments. Since Spartina detritus is relatively indigestible, much of the flux of organic matter to detritovores must involve conversion of particulate detritus to soluble compounds and their assimilation by microorganisms, which can then be consumed by detritovores. Some dissolved material accumulates as a film on the surface of the water and is formed into organic aggregates. Several lines of evidence suggest that microorganisms in the water actively assimilate dissolved organic material during the growing season. Microorganisms in the sediments, although they reside in a large pool of organic matter, appear to be substrate limited except near the sediment-water surface.

Some quantitative analyses of deep-sea benthos off Peru

Abstract Quantitative analyses of biomass, density, and taxonomic composition of the benthic fauna from 9 Campbell Grab stations off Peru are presented. The results are generally similar to those reported for fauna from other regions at similar depths and distances from shore. The quantitative similarity between the fauna of this and other regions is discussed.