Bacteria–Organic Matter Relationship in Sediments: A Case of Spurious Correlation

Abstract

A longstanding claim regarding the existence of a strong positive relationship between bacterial abundance and organic matter in aquatic sediments is shown to be potentially spurious. The statistical significance of the relationship results primarily from standardization of both variables to dry weight of sediments. We suggest that other published relationships may be similarly artifactual. Deceptive results are possible unless standardization is done with caution.