Abstract
Eutrophic estuaries receive organic matter (OM) inputs from multiple sources. This study evaluated the distribution and origin of sedimentary OM in an eutrophic estuary (Pina Sound, NE Brazil). Thirteen samples were collected in the sublittoral in addition to major local sources. Biochemical (chlorophyll - Chl), elemental [(C/N)a and C/S ratios] and isotopic (δ 15N and δ 13C) analyses were carried out for characterizing OM and redox conditions. The SIAR mixing model was used to quantify contribution from main sources. At Pina Sound, distribution of OM is associated with mud, reflecting the hydrodynamics control on deposition of suspended particles. Microphytobenthic production is limited ([Chl a] < 1000 µg/g organic carbon) in the sublittoral where the Chl degradation products prevail (mean [Pheopigments] = 2643 ± 958 µg/g organic carbon). Anoxic conditions (C/S ratio ≈ 2) are typically observed in sediments of deeper portions of Pina Sound. Such sediments receive high organic loads and are subject to poor water renewal. According to SIAR mixing model, sedimentary OM of Pina Sound is composed of, on average: 50% phytoplankton, 24% sewage and 26% C3 plants. This reflects fertilization of Pina Sound with high loads of untreated sewage. Pina Sound has a great potential to retain sewage-derived OM.
Highlights
Estuaries are ecosystems that retain organic matter (OM) from terrestrial and aquatic sources (Dittmar et al 2001, Andrews et al 2008)
This study investigated the distribution and origin of OM in sediments of Pina Sound, northeastern Brazil
Samples were separated according to their sand content into two groups: sandy sediments with higher (≥ 45%) sand content collected mostly from central portions of Pina Sound, and sediments with lower sand (< 45%) content collected mainly from bank portions (Fig. 1)
Summary
Estuaries are ecosystems that retain organic matter (OM) from terrestrial and aquatic sources (Dittmar et al 2001, Andrews et al 2008). Human-impacted estuaries receive nutrients and OM inputs from anthropogenic sources (Mcclelland & Valiela 1998), increasing productivity of aquatic primary producers (Nixon 1995). Such OM inputs are preserved in sedimentary OM (SOM) that reflects proportional contribution from each source (Lesen 2006, Canuel & Hardison 2016). Estuaries exhibit a characteristic pattern of OM mixing from terrestrial and marine sources (Gearing 2013).
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