Sediment Bulk Density Effects on Benthic Macrofauna Burrowing and Bioturbation Behavior

Benthic macrofauna are a key component of intertidal ecosystems. Their mobility and behavior determine processes like nutrient cycling the biogeomorphic development flats. Many physical drivers benthic behavior, such as sediment grain size, have been well-studied. However, little is known about how bulk density (a measure compaction water content) affects this behavior. We investigated effect on burrowing rate, depth, bioturbation activity, oxygen consumption bivalves ( Limecola balthica , Scrobicularia plana Cerastoderma edule ) polychaetes Hediste diversicolor Arenicola marina during 29-day mesocosm experiment. compared four treatments consisting two sediments differing size classes (sandy muddy) with densities (compact soft). Overall, had strong burrowed faster more intensely in soft low density, regardless size. In addition, L. deeper sediment. Finally, we found that larger (both C. S. slower compact than smaller ones. This study shows change their subtle but important ways under different which could affect animal-sediment interactions tidal flat biogeomorphology. conclude lower conditions lead to active macrofaunal movement reworking.