Biodeposition by salt-marsh invertebrates

The importance of salt-marsh invertebrate biodeposits in biogeochemical cycles is discussed. Yearly biodeposition rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, maganese, copper, zinc, and molybdenum are reported for 5 invertebrate species. The 5 species (Littorina irrorata, Arcatula demissa, Polymesoda caroliniana, Uca pugnax and U. pugilator) deposit 1709 g dry weight m² year^-1, of which 455 g m² year^-1 is organic material. Calculations suggest that the invertebrates are capable of processing 53% of the marsh's yearly production, but the actual amount utilized is probably substantially less than this.Contribution No. 716 from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Contribution No. 295 from the University of Georgia Marine Institute.