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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Polychaete response to fresh food supply at organically enriched coastal sites: Repercussion on bioturbation potential and trophic structure

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Author(s):
Venturini, N. [1, 2] ; Pires-Vanin, A. M. S. [1] ; Salhi, M. ; Bessonart, M. ; Muniz, P.
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] IOUSP, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Republica, Fac Ciencias, IECA, Montevideo 11400 - Uruguay
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS; v. 88, n. 4, p. 526-541, DEC 15 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 18
Abstract

We investigated the vertical distribution, abundance, specific and functional structure of polychaete assemblages at four organically enriched sites. The effects of fresh organic matter input from the water column driving by upwelling were evaluated. Temperature and salinity values indicate the intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in spring, a nutrient-rich water mass. The dominance of the conveyor belt transport (CONV) in the station influenced by SACW, in the spring survey, is associated with fresh organic matter input as indicated by higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conversely, the predominance of the diffusive mixing (DIFF) bioturbation category, in the sites without SACW influence is related to the preferential accumulation of more refractive food resources as indicated by higher concentrations of short chain saturated fatty acids. At the site influenced by SACW, the changes in polychaete assemblages were not all evident during proceeding upwelling conditions, but may persist at the end of the upwelling. Polychaetes in the study area seemed to be limited by the quality but not the quantity of food. The delay in polychaete response to fresh food supply may be related to the organic enrichment and the prevalence of refractory material in the sediments. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)