Abstract
Tide-induced fluctuations in biological oxygen demand (BOD) on two medium to fine sandy beaches were recorded over two separate 24-h periods in February (summer) 1979. Fluctuations in BOD of over two orders of magnitude were found with the highest occurring at or just after high tide and the lowest at low tide. Greatest fluctuations occurred at the higher tidal levels as well as near the surface of the substratum. Significant correlations between BOD and the degree of water saturation of the sand were found, although no such correlations with either bacterial or protozoan numbers or temperature occurred. It appears that in areas of the beach where the water content decreases to 30% or less, BOD is greatly reduced and increases again only upon re-wetting by the incoming tide. Measurements of BOD made during low tide in such areas may underestimate oxygen consumption by as much as 300%. Conversely, measurements made on saturated sediments only may be overestimates of a similar magnitude.
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