Abstract
Sediments obtained from complex internal reef spaces at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Is., were apparently homologous to the surface sediments of flat-bottomed aquatic environments. The sediments were heavily populated by bacteria, among which were numerous chitin- and agar-digesting species. Some bacteria and fungi from the reef sediments were capable of digesting a relatively insoluble organic residue obtained from thalli of a calcareous reef alga (Porolilhon sp.). Some elementary analyses of the reef sediments are presented for use in making comparisons of bacterial counts between stations.Arguments are made for the existence of an efficient system of mineralization based on the unique biogenic structure and high organismic diversity of coral reefs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
