Decomposition of faecal matter and somatic tissue of Mytilus galloprovincialis: changes in organic matter composition and microbial succession

Abstract

Variations in the biochemical composition of pseudo-faeces and faeces egested by Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck) and in detritus derived from the somatic tissue of mussels during the decomposition process were investigated by means of two intensive experiments. During the degradation process, the biochemical composition of pseudo-faeces and faeces showed a clear increase in protein content related to the microbial colonization. Changes also occurred in the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) in the surrounding water due to faecal matter decomposition, heterotrophic utilization and conversion of particulate carbohydrates and proteins to the dissolved pool. The study of production and heterotrophic utilization of the POM derived from the somatic tissue of M. galloprovincialis collected in the Gulf of Tigullio, Italy in 1990 indicates that this kind of material is rapidly decomposable and largely available for benthic consumers. Bacteria utilized selectively the different compounds, and proteins proved to be the most suitable substrate for bacterial growth. The input of organic detritus into the experimental system resulted in an enhancement of bacterial activity and consequently of the RNA/DNA ratio. Bacterial DNA accounted on average for 17% of particulate DNA. During decomposition processes, nutrient release was about ten times higher than the value calculated from individual excretion rates, indicating that mussel beds may be important sites for nutrient regeneration. Carbon conversion efficiency for bacteria growing on faecal matter was, on average, 17.2%. The potential importance of faecal output and bacterial production as a carbon resource for benthic communities near mussel culture areas is discussed.