Guidelines for experimental set-ups in bioturbation studies under laboratory conditions

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Bioturbation significantly impacts aquatic ecosystem processes and functions.
• Fieldwork on bioturbation is challenging, necessitating laboratory experiments.
• Current laboratory protocols for marine and estuarine bioturbation studies lack comparability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify gaps and inconsistencies in bioturbation experimental methodologies.
• To propose guidelines for standardizing laboratory bioturbation experiments.
• To enhance the replicability and comparability of bioturbation research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of 518 publications (624 experiments) from Scopus and Web of Science.
• Analysis of experimental designs based on scientific questions, methodologies, and outcomes.
• Identification of common issues including experimental unit mismatch, unclear descriptions, and potential artifacts.

Main Results:

• Significant variability in experimental unit types and sizes.
• Lack of detailed descriptions for experimental setups and procedures.
• Potential for experimental artifacts due to non-standardized conditions (e.g., sediment depth, water, lighting, animal density, acclimation).

Conclusions:

• Operational definitions for microcosm and mesocosm are recommended.
• Guidelines for standardizing sediment depth, water conditions, lighting, animal densities, and specimen handling are proposed.
• Standardized, well-described, and replicable laboratory experiments are essential for advancing bioturbation research.