Impacts of Macrobenthic Bioturbation in Marine Sediment on Bacterial Metabolic Activity

Abstract

Marine sediment in coastal zones is a habitat for various seaweeds, microalgae, invertebrates, and microorganisms. It is characterized by high biomass and diversity, and high rates of turnover of elements such as carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. One of the factors leading to this extensive biological activity is bioturbation, the process whereby benthic animals form local heterogeneous physical structures and topographic features. In this review, the basis of bioturbation and element cycles in marine sediment, and the relationship of bioturbation with microbial activity will be described.