Interlinked temporal changes in environmental conditions, chemical characteristics of sediments and macrofaunal assemblages in an estuarine intertidal sandflat (Seto Inland Sea, Japan)
Magni, P.; Como, S.; Montani, S.; Tsutsumi, H. (2006). Interlinked temporal changes in environmental conditions, chemical characteristics of sediments and macrofaunal assemblages in an estuarine intertidal sandflat (Seto Inland Sea, Japan). Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 149(5): 1185-1197. dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0298-0
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Magni, P., more
- Como, S., more
- Montani, S.
- Tsutsumi, H.
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| Abstract |
Five field surveys were conducted in an estuarine intertidal sandflat of the Seto Inland Sea (Japan) between April 1994 and April 1995. Chlorophyll a, pheopigments, total organic carbon and acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) of surface and subsurface sediments, and macrofaunal assemblages were investigated in parallel at 15 stations. Monthly hydrological data of low-tide creek water adjacent to the flat were used as a complementary environmental characterisation of the study area. Strong temporal changes were found among sampling dates, most remarkably in autumn with a major increase of algal detritus and AVS, a sharp reduction in macrofaunal abundances and species richness, and a massive mortality of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. This dystrophic event was preceded by a photoautotrophic and hypertrophic spring–summer characterized by abundant fresh (i.e., living) algal material, including microphytobenthos and macroalgae (Ulva sp.). In summer, abundant macrofaunal assemblages reached the highest biomass values (455 g wet weight m−2 or 60.6 g ash free dry weight m−2), with a major contribution of filter-feeding bivalves Musculista senhousia and R. philippinarum. These are among the highest values reported in the literature for sedimentary shores. From autumn, there was a progressive recolonisation of macrofauna, initiated by few opportunistic polychaetes (e.g., Cirriformia tentaculata and Polydora sp.), apparently promoting a fast sediment recovery in winter, and followed by new bivalve recruits in the next spring. This study provides the first evidence of significant and interlinked within-year changes in chemical characteristics of sediments and macrofaunal assemblages in an estuarine intertidal flat at a small spatial scale (i.e., tens of meters). This demonstrates the high temporal variability of species–environment relations in these systems and a close relationship in seasonally driven trophodynamic processes among primary producers and benthic consumers. We conclude that a thorough parallel evaluation of the temporal changes n chemical characteristics of sediments should be taken into account in assessing the year-round distribution and changes of intertidal macrofauna, particularly in eutrophic, estuarine intertidal flats. |
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