Biodeposition by salt-marsh invertebrates

Abstract

The importance of salt-marsh invertebrate biodeposits in biogeochemical cycles is discussed. Yearly biodeposition rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, maganese, copper, zinc, and molybdenum are reported for 5 invertebrate species. The 5 species (Littorina irrorata, Arcatula demissa, Polymesoda caroliniana, Uca pugnax and U. pugilator) deposit 1709 g dry weight m2 year-1, of which 455 g m2 year-1 is organic material. Calculations suggest that the invertebrates are capable of processing 53% of the marsh's yearly production, but the actual amount utilized is probably substantially less than this.