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Biomass-specific respiration rates of benthic meiofauna: Demonstrating a novel oxygen micro-respiration system
Moodley, L.; Steyaert, M.; Epping, E.; Middelburg, J.J.; Vincx, M.; van Avesaath, P.; Moens, T.; Soetaert, K. (2008). Biomass-specific respiration rates of benthic meiofauna: Demonstrating a novel oxygen micro-respiration system. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 357(1): 41-47. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2007.12.025
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 136147 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos
    Aquatic communities > Benthos > Meiobenthos
    Foraminifera
    Respiration
    Foraminifera [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    benthic; foraminifera; meiofauna; optodes; respiration
Authors  Top 
  • Moodley, L.
  • Steyaert, M.
  • Epping, E.
  • Middelburg, J.J.
  • Vincx, M.
  • van Avesaath, P.
  • Moens, T.
  • Soetaert, K.
Abstract
    Meiofauna (small-sized Metazoa and Foraminifera) may constitute a significant part of seafloor biomass and potentially play an important role in benthic metabolism. However, respiration measurements are limited and the methods used are diverse together complicating comparison or upscaling. Here we describe a novel glass micro-respiration chamber used to perform non-invasive measurements (built-in oxygen-sensitive fluorogenic membrane and stirrer) and together with direct organic carbon measurements report initial biomass-specific respiration rates of common intertidal meiofauna. Results indicate large differences between respiration rates of different taxa (biomass 0.7–5.2 µg C per individual) but very similar organic carbon biomass-specific respiration rates (1.6–2.5 µl O2 h-1 mgC-1 or on average 2.0 ± 0.3 µl O2 h-1 mgC-1). This new, rapid and accurate method allows the study of metabolic allometry of the different small-sized taxa and determining their functional role in benthic metabolism.
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