Active enhancement of particle removal from the water column by Tentaculate Benthic Polychaetes

Abstract

Two independent experiments were conducted to measure the effects of benthic community structure on the removal rate of 16 µm diameter, radiolabeled particles introduced into unstratified, experimental ecosystems. Particle-removal rates increased in the presence of large numbers of the benthic spionid polychaetes Streblospio benedicti Webster and Polydora ligni Webster. This enhanced particle removal was due to the activities of the worms and not merely to the presence of tube structures projecting above the sea-bed and into the benthic boundary layer.