Abstract
The sedimentation and dissimilatory sulfate reduction under a blue-mussel culture were quantified in order to gain information on the environmental impact of intense mussel farming. The sedimentation rate (3 g C·m-2·d-1) under a culture is nearly three times higher than at a nearby reference station. A build-up of sediment rich in organic material and sulfide takes place under the mussels. At 15°C the sulfate reduction rate was 30.5 mmol SO 4= ·m-2·-1 in the upper 10 cm of the mussel sediment. The increase in sedimentation under a mussel culture and the consequent effects should be considered when establishing mussel farms.
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Communicated by T. Fenchel, Aarhus
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Dahlbäck, B., Gunnarsson, L.Å.H. Sedimentation and sulfate reduction under a mussel culture. Mar. Biol. 63, 269–275 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00395996
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00395996