Thesis
The effects of natural populations of epi and infaunal animals on the biogeochemistry of shallow and intertidal estuarine sediments in subtropical eastern Australia
Southern Cross University, School of Environmental Science and Management
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2003
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Abstract
This study was undertaken over 3 ½ years and was designed to investigate the effects of natural populations of three commonly occurring epi- and infaunal organisms over biogeochemical process at the sediment water interface of shallow and intertidal sand flats in sub-tropical eastern Australia. Preliminary to the study was the development of methods and equipment which allowed the in situ measurement of the effects of large biogenic structures in the most representative manner.
This thesis is comprised of 6 chapters, four of which have been prepared as papers for publication in scientific journals. Chapter 1, the introduction, consists of a brief review of relevant literature and provides a background for, and a statement of, the aims of this study. It also gives an overview to the study site and the target organisms investigated during this work and as such, the study area section of the papers which comprise chapters 2 to 5 have had their common study area segments removed to avoid repetition. Chapter 2, "The effects of two benthic chamber stirring systems on the diffusive boundary layer, oxygen flux and passive flow through model macrofauna burrows", has been accepted for publication by the journal Estuaries. This chapter discusses the benthic flux chambers designed and built principally to allow the in situ measurement of solute flux over large macrofauna burrows and other biogenic structures. Chapter 3, "The effect of natural populations of the burrowing thalassinidean shrimp Trypaea australiensis on sediment irrigation, benthic metabolism, nutrient fluxes and denitrification", has been accepted by the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. It concerns the biogeochemical effects of a large infaunal shrimp which produces a long-term, extensive burrow system. Chapter 4, "The effect of ray (Dasyatis fluviorum) wallows on sediment irrigation, benthic metabolism, nutrient fluxes and denitrification'', has been accepted by the journal Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. This chapter describes the effects of the biogenic structures left by wallowing rays over sediment biogeochemical processes. Chapter 5, "The effect of natural populations of the burrowing and grazing soldier crab (Mictyris lonqicarpus) on sediment irrigation, benthic metabolism, nutrient fluxes and denitrification" has been accepted by the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. This chapter examines the effects of a burrowing and grazing crab which does not produce permanent burrows. Chapter 6, summarises the effects of the three target species and extrapolates their individual and combined influence over system metabolism and nutrient cycling.
Details
- Title
- The effects of natural populations of epi and infaunal animals on the biogeochemistry of shallow and intertidal estuarine sediments in subtropical eastern Australia
- Creators
- Arthur Philip Webb
- Contributors
- Bradley D Eyre (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, School of Environmental Science and Management
- Number of pages
- xiii, 128
- Identifiers
- 991013330227702368
- Copyright
- © Arthur P. Webb 2003
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Resource Type
- Thesis