Particle Retention Efficiency of a Coastal Ecosystem in the Northeastern Atlantic Ocean

摘要: Based on filtration rates obtained in situ at several habitats (mud flats, sand and seagrass beds of Cymodocea nodosa), particle retention efficiency benthic communities was estimated Ria Formosa, a coastal lagoon southern Portugal. The distinct physical characteristics the water flow (water depth, current speed) different tidal regimes (spring tide neap tide) were also considered. Median ranged 5.0−45.0 l m−2 h−1, despite lack dense bivalve or reefs. median studied substrate types, model we developed showed that bed areas retained 15% suspended particles during spring 47% tide. These efficiencies much higher than those observed mud flats (2.8% tide, 8% tide), finer grain size (8.8% 50% coarser (7% 31% tide). Removal from column ebb with <5 μm diameter (especially diatoms, flagellates, small-sized particulate matter) being most commonly removed.