Spatio-temporal variation of suspended and sedimentary organic matter quality in the Bay of Marseilles (NW Mediterranean) assessed by biochemical and isotopic analyses

Enviro' Étang de Berre

Producteur(s)

Type de producteur

Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie

Nature de l'étude

2012

Consulter le document

Baie de Marseille

Thèmes

Mots-clés

Objectif: Isotopic and biochemical features of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) in the water column and of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) were investigated seasonally in the Bay of Marseilles.

The aims of the present study were thus (a) to determine the main isotopic and biochemical features of the two OM pools, (b) to assess their spatial and seasonal variations and (c) to link these variations with influences of allochtonous sources of OM under the control of climatic and hydrologic oarameters.

Conclusion: Biochemical compounds (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) were consistently more concentrated in POM than in SOM, with SOM mainly composed of insoluble carbohydrates. POM displayed lower δ¹³ C and higher δ¹⁵N values than SOM.

Phytoplanktonic production represented the major contributor of POM year-round with spatial and seasonal variations. Climatic parameters and wind-induced currents created differences in POM contributions, with more important inputs of terrestrial OM at one sampling site. Spatial and seasonal variations were lower for SOM. The composition of this pool appeared to be linked with the permanent inputs of phytoplankton and Posidonia oceanica detritus.

The combined use of biochemical and isotopic analyses was a useful tool to characterize OM pools and would help understanding the trophic functioning of this coastal environment.

Enviro' Étang de Berre est une plateforme internet dont l'objectif est de mettre à disposition les études liées à l'environnement sur le territoire de Fos-sur-Mer et depuis 2018, sur le territoire du Bassin Minier de Provence. Elle concerne les thématiques : Air, Eau, Sol, Biodiversité, Santé des populations, Sociologie et Bruit.

ARS PACA DREAL PACA OHM BMP

Ce projet a été financé par l’ARS PACA et la DREAL PACA labellisées PRSE pour la partie Fos-sur-Mer et par l’OHM BMP pour la partie Bassin Minier de Provence.

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