The Effects of Animal-Sediment Interactions on Biogeochemical Processes at the Sediment-Water Interface

Diagenetic processes in sedimentary deposits play a central role in the cycling and burial of biogeochemically reactive elements. The activities of marine benthos dramatically impact early diagenesis, altering material transport and reaction distributions in surface sediments and sediment-water exchange on scales of microns to centimeters. In this project, researchers at SUNY Stony Brook will continue to develop and use innovative transparent sensor foils to track in situ redox reactions associated with O2, Mn, N, Fe, S, and C, measure exoenzyme activity, and quantify carbonate dissolution to advance predictive, mechanistic-based understanding of biogenic effects on biogeochemical cycles. Results from this study will advance fundamental understanding of biogeochemical processes. Broader Impacts: This project will provide scientific training to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, including those from a diversity of underrepresented groups. Results from this study will be shared with fellow scientists and the general public, increasing knowledge about the seafloor processes.