BIOGENIC SEDIMENT COMPOUNDS IN RELATION TO MARINE MEIOFAUNAL ABUNDANCES

Correlations between a series of biogenic sediment compounds, commonly used in ecological studies, and a major component of the benthic infa una, the meiofauna, were studied on the continental margin off Southwe st Africa (Angola) and in a central oceanic region of the Atlantic Oce an (Mid Oceanic Ridge). Biogenic sediment compounds chosen for this in vestigation (electron-transport-system activity, total adenylates and energy charge, particulate proteins, chloroplastic pigments) are obvio usly not suitable far a quick and rough estimation of meiofaunal abund ances. Nevertheless, biogenic sediment compounds might reflect quite w ell the activity and biomass of the total benthic infauna, including a ll size classes (from bacteria to macrofaunal organisms) and/or the to tal particulate organic matter within the sediments. Furthermore, anal yzing biogenic sediment compounds leads to a better understanding of e nvironmental conditions and biological activities of benthic organisms . Consequently, despite their limitations, biochemical sediment parame ters may be very useful in benthic ecological studies to obtain rapid information on the eco-status of the benthic system.