Transfer of Contaminants Between the Water Column and Bottom Sediments: The Role of Deposit- and Suspension-Feeding Benthic Invertebrates
Abstract
The ultimate goals of this research are to determine the dominant mechanisms whereby and the rates a which fine particles (<0.05 mm) are incorporated into marine sediments. Particular focus is on developing a mechanistic understanding of the role that deposit- and suspension-feeding benthic invertebrates play in particle deposition and burial relative to the abiotic case. The objectives of this project are to manipulate and test various combinations of hydrodynamic, sedimentological and biological parameters to determine the magnitude of: (1) net accumulation of fine particles in sandy and "reworked" (mixed grain size) sediments relative to muddy sediments, (2) biodeposition by suspension feeders relative to deposit feeders, and (3) vertical transport modes and rates of sediment transport within the bed by deposit feeders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA569394
Entities
People
- Cheryl A. Butman
- Robert A. Wheatcroft
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution