Biogeochemistry of Nearshore Bermuda Sediments. I. Sulfate Reduction Rates and Nutrient Generation

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Abstract
SO42- reduction rates, enumeration of SO42- reducing bacteria, pore water concentrations of PO43- and NH4+, and titration alkalinity were determined for the upper 14 cm of sediments collected from 3 nearshore Bermudian environments: Coot Pond (LG), Mangrove Bay (MB) and Devil''s Hole (DH). SO42- reduction rates were rapid at LG and MB but slow at DH (.apprx. 300 and 8.0 nmoles ml-1 day-1, respectively). Differences in source and deposition of organic matter caused rate variations. A linear relationship existed between SO42- reduction rates and SO42- reducing bacteria. Pore water nutrient concentrations were low compared to clastic sediments. Nutrient regeneration rates, as calculated from organic matter C:N:P ratios, and sulfate reduction rates were used to calculate the turnover times of dissolved PO43- and NH44. Sediments subject to active bioturbation had NH4+ turnover times 9-63 times less than those for non-bioturbated sediments.

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