The quantitative relationship between macrobenthic carbon and organic carbon in sediments: A case study of the northern continental shelf of the South China Sea

Macrobenthos play an important role in global biogeochemical cycles and carbon energy exchange. Macrobenthic communities on continental shelves are alimented through the sedimentation of organic material. Sedimentary is key step for cycling within shelf benthic trophic web. However, quantitative relationship between macrobenthos sediments based total (TOC), pathways applied by stable nitrogen isotope data (δ 13 C δ 15 N) still limited. Therefore, northern South China Sea (NSCS), with abundant macrobenthos, was chosen as research area. In this paper, TOC, (TN), N sediments, eco-exergy (Ex), structural (Exst) NSCS were analysed. The TOC TN varied widely 1.05% 71.08% 0.29% 11.36%, respectively, which much higher than those sediments. Trophic (food sources levels) established applying values main macrobenthic species. similar ratios levels most (2.0–3.4) might indicate food compositions living habits. Eco-exergy grades positively correlated average level value (correlation coefficient R=0.79). Ex weight required estimated showed a typical positive correlation (R=0.98). This establishment provides useful method evaluating functions ecosystem researching sequestration potential community.