Seasonal Variability in the Vertical Distribution of Benthic Macrofauna and Sedimentary Organic Matter in an Estuarine beach (NW Spain) |
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| Authors: | I F Rodil S Cividanes M Lastra J López |
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| Institution: | 1.Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias,Universidad de Vigo,Vigo,Spain |
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| Abstract: | This study was designed to investigate seasonal changes on food available for benthic consumers in relation to tidal levels
and sediment depth in an estuarine beach. The relationships between the biochemical characteristics of sedimentary organic
matter and benthic macrofauna were analyzed quarterly over 2 years (from January 1997 to January 1999), in an estuarine soft
intertidal zone from the NW coast of Spain (42°64′04″N, 8°88′36″W). Sediment samples were collected to provide a two-dimensional
view of macroinfauna distribution in the intertidal zone and its relationship with the quantity and quality of the organic
matter. The nutritional value of organic matter (i.e., lipid, protein, and carbohydrate) and the content of chlorophyll a of the sediment were measured. Macrofaunal assemblages and food availability in the sediment were studied at three tidal
levels on the shore: two intertidal and one supratidal. Macroinfauna and biochemical compounds showed a clear vertical stratification
with the highest macrofaunal abundance at the superficial layer of the sediment, where redox potential discontinuity was also
observed. Crustaceans were found mainly inhabiting the supratidal level of the estuarine beach, while polychaetes and mollusks
occupied the intertidal level. Food availability, measured as biopolymeric carbon, and also chlorophyll a from the sediment were better related to macroinfauna abundance, biomass, and abundance of main taxonomic groups. Macrofauna
assemblages showed particular distribution in both vertical and horizontal ranges suggesting specific preferences to several
abiotic factors. No clear seasonal pattern was found in macrofauna and sedimentary organic characteristics suggesting that
macrofaunal assemblages are controlled by complex and unpredictable factors, including small-scale changes in substrate and
hydrological characteristics. |
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