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Benthic bacterial response to variable estuarine water inputs.

Elena Manini1, Gian Marco Luna, Roberto Danovaro

  • 1Department of Marine Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Monte D'Ago, Ancona, Italy.

FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|August 29, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nutrient-rich estuarine waters significantly boost coastal benthic microbial activity. Organic phosphorus availability and nutrient ratios in plume waters are key to maximizing these effects on bacterial carbon production and enzyme activity.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Ecology
  • Microbial Biogeochemistry
  • Coastal Oceanography

Background:

  • Estuarine waters are recognized for enhancing coastal productivity.
  • The specific impacts of nutrient-rich waters on benthic microbial processes remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of estuarine plume waters on benthic microbial processes in coastal sediments.
  • To determine the role of nutrient stoichiometry (N:P ratios) and nutrient forms (organic vs. inorganic) in driving benthic microbial responses.

Main Methods:

  • On-site microcosm experiments were conducted using pristine offshore sediments.
  • Estuarine waters, varying in organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content, were added to sediments.
  • Benthic bacterial responses, including abundance, biomass, enzyme activities, and carbon production, were measured.

Main Results:

  • Plume water addition significantly increased total bacterial abundance, biomass, and enzymatic activities within 12-24 hours.
  • Inorganic nitrogen supply alone was sufficient to stimulate benthic bacterial abundance.
  • Bacterial carbon production and enzyme activities were enhanced when organic phosphorus was supplied alongside a lower organic N:P ratio.

Conclusions:

  • Estuarine plume waters exert significant influence on benthic bacterial dynamics.
  • The magnitude of biogeochemical impacts is contingent on the availability of organic phosphorus and the stoichiometric ratios of supplied organic nutrients.