Effects of sediment resuspension on organic matter processing in coastal environments: A simulation model

A model, constructed using STELLA™, was used to simulate changes in standing stocks and flows of organic matter resulting from sediment resuspension in shallow coastal environments. Previous studies suggested that resuspension may determine the sites and rates of organic matter mineralization in shallow environments (Hopkinson, 1985, 1987). Those studies predicted that resuspended organic material could exert an enhanced demand on dissolved oxygen. Our model results support this hypothesis. Total system metabolism receives increasing contributions from the water column as settling rate decreases. Water column respiration also increases relative to benthic respiration as the frequency and intensity of resuspension events increases. This is driven by higher specific degradation rates in the water column than in the benthic environment. Furthermore, overall respiration (benthic + pelagic) increases in response to resuspension.