Benthic bioturbator enhances CH4 fluxes among aquatic compartments and atmosphere in experimental microcosms

Abstract

We utilized laboratory microcosms to evaluate the effects of a benthic sediment bioturbator ( Heteromastus similis ; Polychaeta; conveyor-belt deposit feeder) on vertical distributions of CH4 in sediment and net CH4 fluxes across sediment–water–air interfaces. The effect of H. similis on sediment CH4 concentration ([CH4]) varied depending on sediment depth and was strongest at higher animal densities. In comparison with defaunated controls, microcosms with the highest density of H. similis exhibited an increase in [CH4] of 3.7-fold, on average, at the sediment surface (0–2 cm), but these concentrations decreased by ~2-fold in deeper sediment layers (2–8 cm). However, irrespective of sediment depth, the density of H. similis resulted in an overall nonlinear reduction of bulk sediment [CH4]. Most of the observed CH4 losses from the sediment were due to CH4 oxidation, but the bioturbatory activities of H. similis also promoted significant increases in [CH4] in both the water column and the microcosm headspace. These results suggest that benthic invertebrates can mediate CH4 turnover between compartments in aquatic ecosystems, with further consequences for the coupling between benthic–pelagic food chains via the methanotrophic-mediated microbial loop, as well as increase CH4 emissions to the atmosphere.