Dietary responses of tidal flat macrobenthos to reduction of benthic microalgae: a test for potential use of allochthonous organic matter

Sakamaki, Takashi; Richardson, John S.

doi:10.3354/meps08094

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…During tidal emersion, microphytobenthic biofilms are exposed to high temperatures and irradiances, which can affect primary productivity as well as the production of EPS (Perkins et al 2001). Shading by the vascular plant canopy appears to alter biomass production and controls the microphytobenthic composition (Sakamaki & Richardson 2009, Park et al 2013.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cordgrass canopy elicits weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic abundance in a harsh environment

Firstater¹,

Narvarte²,

Álvarez³

et al. 2016

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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The magnitude of the outcome of ecosystem engineering is context-dependent; as environmental stresses increase, habitat amelioration by ecosystem engineers becomes more relevant. Moreover, the individual-and population-level traits of ecosystem engineers can affect their ability to reduce environmental stress. On the Patagonian shores of Argentina (SW Atlantic, 41°S), the intertidal community is exposed to harsh conditions. We predicted that in this severe environment, variation in the above-ground structure of the smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora should buffer the physical stress on the substrate through shading and reduction of wind and water flow energy, ultimately affecting the sediment properties and microphytobenthic biomass. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally manipulated cordgrass density at the edge and inner marsh of a S. alterniflora meadow during both summer and winter. In summer, evaporation and temperature were higher in clipped plots, while in winter, evaporation varied across densities and location treatments, with higher sediment water content in the inner marsh. No effect of S. alterniflora density or location were observed on sediment organic matter or chl a concentration, and mean sediment grain size was always smaller inside the marsh. In summer, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content was higher in clipped plots inside the marsh, however this did not differ from the other density treatments at this location. Overall, shading had weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic biomass, and most observed differences were attributable to grain size. We speculate that the harsh conditions of this system overwhelm the ecosystem engineering effects of S. alterniflora, probably because of its relatively small aboveground biomass.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cordgrass canopy elicits weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic abundance in a harsh environment

Firstater¹,

Narvarte²,

Álvarez³

et al. 2016

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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“…In addition, bivalves have water purification abilities, such as retention and removal of particulate organic matter in the water column. This may be particularly important in nutrient and carbon cycling in shallow estuarine areas [1][2][3]. Some studies have reported on the life history and physiological aspects of Nuttallia olivacea [2,4,5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilization of Food Sources Before and After the Tsunami in Nuttallia olivacea at Gamo Lagoon, Japan

Shin

Nishimura

2013

Environmental Engineering Research

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This study was conducted June 2011 at Gamo Lagoon, after tsunami of March 2011, to estimate food sources and utilization. The results show that the tsunami affected the sediment properties by changing the physical environmental alterations. The fatty acids of the gut content of Nuttallia olivacea mostly comprised the same organic matter found in the sediment. Fatty acids in the tissues showed mainly diatoms, bacteria, and dinoflagellates. That is, most of the food sources (i.e., diatoms, bacteria, dinoflagellates, macroalgae, and terrestrial organic matter) probably pass through the digestive system unharmed; however, terrestrial organic matter, which is refractory to biochemical degradation, indicated a different assimilation trend between the gut content and the tissue. This result suggests that input of labile organic matter from the sediment may control selective metabolism in N. olivacea. From these results, although the physical environment of sediment characteristics by tsunami changed, the food utilization of N. olivacea suggested a better assimilation of selected components from the gut content, irrespective of physical alteration.

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A Macroinfaunal Ecosystem Engineer May Facilitate Recovery of Benthic Invertebrates and Accompanying Ecosystem Services After an Oil Spill

Fleeger

Johnson²,

Zengel³

et al. 2021

Estuaries and Coasts

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Dietary responses of tidal flat macrobenthos to reduction of benthic microalgae: a test for potential use of allochthonous organic matter

Cited by 11 publications

References 32 publications

Cordgrass canopy elicits weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic abundance in a harsh environment

Cordgrass canopy elicits weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic abundance in a harsh environment

Utilization of Food Sources Before and After the Tsunami in Nuttallia olivacea at Gamo Lagoon, Japan

A Macroinfaunal Ecosystem Engineer May Facilitate Recovery of Benthic Invertebrates and Accompanying Ecosystem Services After an Oil Spill

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