Fosfor (P) är ofta det begränsande ämnet i akvatiska system och kan i höga mängder bidra till övergödning i sjöar och hav. För att minska tillförseln av partikelbunden fosfor som läcker från jordbruksmark kan våtmarker anläggas i avrinningsområdet. För en effektiv avskiljning är det viktigt att partiklar sedimenterar i våtmarken och stannar i sedimentet. Studier har visat att vissa karpfiskar och märlkräftor genom bioturbation kan orsaka resuspension av partiklar, samt att effekten ökar med ökad täthet. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka om även makroevertebraten Asellus aquaticus (sötvattensgråsugga) kan orsaka resuspension av partiklar. Två hypoteser undersöktes: (i) A. aquaticus orsakar resuspension av sedimenterade partiklar; (ii) ökad täthet av A. aquaticus ger ökad resuspension. Två försök genomfördes och varje försöksuppställning bestod av 15 akvarier, varav finpartikulärt sediment och bäckvatten tillsattes till tio stycken medan fem innehöll endast bäckvatten. I hälften av akvarierna med sediment tillsattes A. aquaticus i olika täthet för försöken. Försöken pågick i sju dygn med dagliga mätningar av vattnets grumlighet. Resultat från försöken bekräftade båda hypoteserna. Genomsnittlig grumlighet efter sju dygn var 161 NTU (143 mg L-1 TSS) vid en täthet på 2083 A. aquaticus m-2 och 37 NTU (26 mg L-1 TSS) vid 500 A. aquaticus m-2. Studiens resultat indikerar att A. aquaticus kan ha en negativ påverkan på retentionen av partikelbunden fosfor i våtmarker. / Phosphorus (P) is often the limiting nutrient in aquatic systems and can in excessive quantities cause eutrophication in lakes and seas. To reduce the input of particle-bound phosphorus leaking from agricultural land, wetlands can be constructed as traps for particles. It is important that particles settle in the wetland and remain in the sediment. Studies have shown that bioturbation by e.g. common carp and amphipods can cause resuspension of settled particles, and that the effect increases with an increasing density of organisms. The purpose of this study was to examine if the macroinvertebrate Asellus aquaticus can also cause resuspension of particles. Two hypotheses were tested: (i) bioturbation by A. aquaticus will cause resuspension of particles; (ii) an increased density of A. aquaticus increases the resuspension of particles. This was tested in two experiments, each of which included 15 aquaria. In ten of these, sediment and stream water were added. To five of the aquaria with sediment, A. aquaticus were added in different densities for the two experiments. Water turbidity was measured daily for seven days. The results confirmed both hypotheses. Average turbidity after seven days was 161 NTU (143 mg L-1 TSS) at a density of 2083 m-2 and 37 NTU (26 mg L-1 TSS) at 500 m-2. The results indicate that the presence of A. aquaticus may have a negative impact on the retention of particle-bound phosphorus in wetlands.

No description available.

Les processus de bioturbation constituent un exemple classique d’ingénierie de l’écosystème. Ils sont le fait d’espèces bioturbatrices qui contribuent à la structuration physique et biogéochimique des environnements sédimentaires. Dans les environnements marins meubles, les thalassinidés comptent parmi les bioturbateurs les plus influents. Ainsi, la crevette de vase Upogebia cf. pusilla est à l’origine d’un important remaniement sédimentaire et d’une large bioirrigation des sédiments dans le bassin d’Arcachon. Ces activités de bioturbation modulent les processus de minéralisation de la matière organique et les flux biogéochimiques à l’interface eau-sédiment. L’intensité de la bioturbation de U. cf. pusilla dépend de son état physiologique, celui-ci pouvant être altéré par divers facteurs de stress. Une approche couplant études de terrain et expérimentations en laboratoire a permis d’évaluer l’influence du parasitisme et de la contamination métallique sur les activités de U. cf. pusilla. Ce travail avait pour objectifs de (1) caractériser la pression parasitaire chez U. cf. pusilla à l’échelle locale, (2) déterminer les niveaux de base des éléments métalliques chez cet organisme dans le bassin d’Arcachon et d’évaluer le potentiel rôle des parasites dans les processus d’accumulation des métaux et (3) estimer l’impact du parasitisme et de la contamination métallique, seuls et en interaction, sur U. cf. pusilla et ce à deux échelles d’organisation, moléculaire et comportementale. In situ, un suivi spatial et un suivi temporel ont permis de caractériser la dynamique spatio-temporelle de deux parasites chez U. cf. pusilla¸ un bopyre infestant la cavité branchiale (Gyge branchialis), et un trématode (Maritrema sp.), infectant l’ensemble des organes de l’animal. Au sein de leur hôte, ces deux parasites sont négativement associés, le bopyre limitant probablement les processus d’infection par le trématode. Par ailleurs, un suivi saisonnier d’un an a permis de noter de faibles concentrations en métaux chez U. cf. pusilla, dans le bassin d’Arcachon. Ces concentrations ont été mises en parallèle avec le statut parasitaire des spécimens échantillonnés. Aucune corrélation n’a été notée entre la présence des trématodes et les quantités de métaux accumulées. A l’inverse, les observations de terrain ont permis d’envisager que le parasite bopyre puisse interférer avec les processus d’accumulation des métaux chez cet organisme. Cette dernière hypothèse a été testée en laboratoire au cours d’expérimentations visant à évaluer l’influence d’une contamination métallique (en utilisant le cadmium comme contaminant modèle) et du parasite bopyre, seuls et en interaction, sur U. cf. pusilla. A l’échelle moléculaire, le bopyre n’a été associé à aucune modification de l’expression d’une dizaine de gènes cibles. Par ailleurs, à l’échelle comportementale, ce parasite réduit peu le remaniement sédimentaire de son hôte, à l’inverse de ce qui avait été montré au cours d’une étude antérieure. En ce qui concerne l’influence du cadmium, ce métal module amplement l’expression de gènes codant notamment des protéines impliquées dans la réponse au stress oxydant et dans les mécanismes de détoxication. Ces observations suggèrent que U. cf. pusilla est capable de mettre en place des mécanismes de lutte contre le stress métallique. Au niveau comportemental, le cadmium semble stimuler le remaniement sédimentaire des organismes. Finalement, les expériences « doubles stress » ont montré un effet antagoniste du bopyre et du cadmium à la fois à l’échelle génique et à l’échelle comportementale. Ainsi, cette étude souligne la complexité des interactions entre facteurs de stress multiples et la nécessité d’effectuer de telles expérimentations. [...] / Bioturbation is a typical example of ecosystem engineering. Bioturbating species are mainly epi- or endobenthic organisms, which profoundly affect the physical structure and biogeochemical properties of sediments. In marine soft-bottom environments, thalassinidean mud shrimp are considered as one of the most prominent bioturbating organisms. Among these species is the mud shrimp Upogebia cf. pusilla, which is recognized as an important sediment reworker, also significantly contributing to the bioirrigation of sediments. In fine, this species greatly modulates organic matter mineralization and biogeochemical fluxes at the sediment-water interface. The influence of U. cf. pusilla in ecosystem functioning depends on the intensity of its bioturbation and thus on its fitness. Several factors can affect the physiological status of organisms, potentially resulting in behavioural changes and causing modifications of their activities. Amongst potential stressors, we evaluated the influence of parasitism and trace metal contamination on the mud shrimp U. cf. pusilla in Arcachon Bay, France. Field surveys and laboratory experiments were undertaken in order to evaluate (1) the parasite infestation levels in the mud shrimp at the local scale, (2) the metal contamination background and potential relationship between the metal accumulation and the parasitic status of organisms in the field and (3) estimate the distinct and interactive impacts of parasitism and metal contamination on two scales of organisation, by targeting a molecular (gene expression) and a behavioural (sediment reworking) endpoint.A large spatial and temporal survey conducted in Arcachon Bay showed that at least two parasites species occur in mud shrimp: a bopyrid isopod (Gyge branchialis), living in one of the gill chambers of its host, and a trematode parasite (Maritrema sp.), infecting the whole body of mud shrimp. These two parasite species are negatively associated within their host, in which the bopyrid likely interferes with trematodes establishment. Additionally, a one year seasonal sampling demonstrated that mud shrimp displayed very low levels of metals in Arcachon Bay. The bopyrid parasite could interfere with the process of metal accumulation in mud shrimp, while such correlation was not found for the trematode parasite. Finally, complementary laboratory experiments highlighted that, at the molecular level, the bopyrid parasite did not affect the expression of the genes targeted in this study in mud shrimp. Similarly, at the behavioural level, and conversely to a previous study, the effects of the bopyrid parasite were minor, i.e. only associated to small modifications of the bioturbation activity of its host. Indeed, the intensity of the sediment reworking of mud shrimp was slightly reduced when organisms were infested with this parasite. Regarding trace metal contamination, we noticed that mud shrimp largely accumulated cadmium. This accumulation was associated to an important modulation of gene expression, especially of genes encoding proteins involved in detoxification processes, highlighting, at this organisation level, the capability of mud shrimp to deal with the deleterious effect of cadmium. At the behavioural scale, cadmium contamination positively affected the sediment reworking activity of mud shrimp. Finally, double-stress experiments evidenced an antagonistic effect of both stressors on the two targeted endpoints. This study highlights the complexity of the interactions between multiple stressors and that the response of organisms cannot be predicted from “single-stress” experiments. [...]

Les Technosols ont des propriétés et une pédogenèse influencées par des matériaux technogéniques qui les constituent. Le modèle expérimental de Technosol construit a été choisi et résulte de l’utilisation délibérée de matériaux technogéniques au sein d’un profil. L’objectif scientifique est d’évaluer la contribution de la faune du sol aux processus impliqués dans le fonctionnement et l’évolution des Technosols. Des expérimentations en laboratoire (cosmes) et en conditions climatiques réelles (lysimètres, parcelles) ont été menées de l’échelle ultrastructurale à celle du pédon. Les résultats indiquent que (i) le Technosol construit est un support de vie de la faune, (ii) le modèle d’ingénieur de l’écosystème : Lumbricus terrestris, par la création de macroporosité et par ses structures biogéniques contribue à sa structuration, son agrégation et à la décomposition de sa matière organique, (iii) lorsque plusieurs groupes d’organismes assurant des fonctions différentes sont associés, des effets sont mesurés majoritairement sur la décomposition de la matière organique. La forte disponibilité des ressources du Technosol autorise la présence de la faune mais masquent en partie ses effets et inhibent les interactions faunistiques qui auront un effet sur les fonctions des sols. Un modèle d’évaluation de l’effet de Lumbricus terrestris sur la macroporosité est proposé. En termes de génie pédologique, un projet de modèle d’aide à la décision résulte des acquis scientifiques. L’inoculation de la faune contribuerait ainsi à initier des mécanismes d’évolution des sols et à les accélérer / Technosols are soils whose properties and pedogenesis are influenced by technical materials which take part in their constitution. The experimental model used here is a constructed Technosol which is deliberately composed of technical materials in a soil profile. The scientific objective is to evaluate the contribution of soil fauna to processes implied in soil functioning and evolution. Experiments in laboratory (cosms) and in climatic conditions (lysimeters, field) are conducted from ultrastructural scale to soil profile scale. Results indicate that (i) constructed Technosol can support soil fauna, (ii) the model of ecosystem engineer: Lumbricus terrestris, by macroporosity and by stables biogenic structures, contribute to the structuration, the aggregation and the decomposition of organic matter of the Technosol, (iii) when several groups of organisms implied in differents soil functions are used, effects are observed on organic matter decomposition. The huge availability of resources in the Technosol allow the presence of soil fauna but its effects and reduce soil fauna interactions which can have effects on soil functioning. A model whose objective is to evaluate effect of Lumbricus terrestris on macroporosity is proposed. In terms of soil engineering, a project of decision support model results of scientific experiences. Soil fauna inoculation in soil engineering could contribute to initiate and accelerate mechanisms of Technosol evolution

Dans le bassin d’Arcachon, le crustacé thalassinidé Upogebia pusilla habite préférentiellement les vasières intertidales colonisées par les zostères naines (Zostera noltei) où il trouve la stabilité sédimentaire indispensable à l’établissement durable de son terrier. Du fait de la profondeur de ce dernier (> 30 cm) et de sa grande mobilité, cette espèce ingénieure a souvent été négligée dans les études antérieures ayant pour objectif de mieux comprendre le rôle des communautés macro-benthiques dans le fonctionnement des herbiers de phanérogames et les conséquences de leur régression rapide. Ce manuscrit présente une étude intégrée du rôle d’U. pusilla dans le fonctionnement de son écosystème en s’attachant particulièrement à caractériser et quantifier les relations entre (1) ses différentes activités (fouissage, ventilation, locomotion, …), (2) les modes de bioturbation qui en résultent et (3)leurs impacts respectifs sur la dynamique biogéochimique sédimentaire. Ce travail montre qu’U. pusilla engendre un remaniement et une bioirrigation intenses de la matrice sédimentaire qui l’entoure. Sa présence stimule ainsi fortement la reminéralisation de la matière organique sédimentée et les échanges de solutés à travers l’interface eau-sédiment.Bien que l’influence d’U. pusilla sur ces processus écologiques et biogéochimiques soit très dépendante des conditions environnementales (e.g., saisonnalité, prévalence parasitaire),l’ensemble de mes résultats suggère que le déclin progressif de ses populations, conséquence directe de la dégradation de son habitat, est susceptible de fortement altérer le fonctionnement global des écosystèmes du bassin d’Arcachon. / In Arcachon bay, the endobenthic thalassinid crustacean Upogebia pusilla is tightly associated with the intertidal dwarf grass Zostera noltei providing the sediment stability required for the construction of (semi-)permanent burrows. Because of the depth and complex architecture of their burrow (> 30 cm), this high mobile engineer species have been largely ignored in previous studies aiming at better understanding the role of macrobenthic communities in the functioning of seagrass ecosystems and the consequences of their rapid decline. This manuscript presents an integrated study regarding the role played by U. pusillain the functioning of its ecosystem, with particular emphasis on the characterisation and quantification of the relationships between (1) its different activities (burrowing, ventilating,walking…), (2) both bioturbation modes and rates and (3) their respective impacts on the sedimentary biogeochemical dynamics. This work shows that mud shrimp activity leads tohigh mixing and bioirrigation of the surrounding sediment matrix, thus strongly enhancing organic matter mineralisation processes and solute exchanges across the sediment-water interface. Although the influence of U. pusilla on ecological and biogeochemical processes largely depends on environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality and parasitism), altogether my results suggest that the gradual decline of its population in Arcachon bay, as a direct consequence of benthic habitat degradation, may greatly alter the overall functioning of this vulnerable marine ecosystem.

Des pollutions des sols (péri)urbains et urbaines fortement peuplées en métaux et metalloïdes persistants (éco)toxiques sont couramment observées à l’échelle globale. Certains éléments (Se, Cu…) ont des rôles biologiques et par contre d’autres (Pb, Cd…) ont uniquement un impact (éco)toxique qui peut être influencé par leur spéciation et compartimentation qui modifient leurs transferts et biodisponibilité. Dans une optique de gestion des sols et d’alimentation durables, des questions scientifiques pluridisciplinaires sont à creuser concernant : (i) les mécanismes en jeu dans la biodisponibilité et l’impact sur les organismes vivants des éléments inorganiques en lien avec leur spéciation ; (ii) la co-gestion des risques environnement-santé induits par des installations industrielles classées : ICPE en France (ex. usine de recyclage de batteries) avec les riverains qui cultivent des potagers ou les employés. Dans ce contexte, ont été étudiés : (i) le transfert des métaux entre phase solide et solution du sol sous l’influence des vers de terre sur un site ICPE; (ii) le transfert et la bioaccessibilité du Se en conditions contrôlées pour 2 formes chimiques; (iii) le risque sanitaire pour les riverains d’un site ICPE qui jardinent, et les facteurs influant les plombémies des professionnels (étude statistique des données). Une review bibliographique de la qualité du manioc en lien avec les pratiques culturales et culinaires et les caractéristiques de l’environnement a finalement été réalisée pour compléter la démarche « Sciences et Société » de la thèse. L’analyse des différents isotopes du plomb dans les sols aux alentours de l’usine de recyclage a permis de conclure que 84 à 100% du plomb des sols de surface est d’origine anthropique. Un comportement d’évitement des zones les plus polluées en plomb a été observé pour l’espèce de vers de terre A. caliginosa. Le transfert racinaire, la translocation du sélénium vers le maïs et sa bioaccessibilité dans le grain sont plus élevés dans le cas du séléniate (facteur de translocation de 1.1, et bioaccessibilité humaine de 89,3%) par rapport au sélénite (0.13, et bioaccessibilité de 82,7%). L’étude de la qualité des cultures des jardins proches de l’usine (à Bazoches), en relation avec la qualité du sol (faible contamination, pH basique et teneur élevée en matières organiques qui réduisent les transferts) et de l’atmosphère a mis en évidence un transfert atmosphère-plante qui dépend du métal (le Cd est le plus biodisponible) et du végétal. Les concentrations en Pb et Cd suivent respectivement les séquences : [laitue>poireau>céleri>carotte] et [laitue>céleri>carotte>poireau]. Pour réduire l’exposition des populations, un lavage soigneux des productions avant la consommation est préconisé. / Pollution of (peri)urban soils by (eco)toxic metal(loid)s is commonly observed on a global scale. Some elements (Se, Cu ...) have biological roles and other (Pb, Cd ...) only have an (eco)toxic impact influenced by their speciation and compartmentalization that can change their transfers and bioavailability. With the perspective of sustainable management of soil and food, multidisciplinary scientific questions are digging for: (i) the mechanisms involved in the bioavailability and impact on living organisms of inorganic elements related to speciation; (ii) the co-management of environmental-health risks from industrial regulated plants (ICPE in France, such as former battery recycling plant) with residents who grow vegetable gardens or employees. In this context, were studied: (1) the transfer of metals between solid phase and soil solution under the influence of earthworms on a ICPE site; (2) the transfer and bioavailability of Se in controlled conditions for two chemical forms; (3) the health risk for the residents with gardening activities near ICPE plant and factors influencing blood lead of professionals (statistical analysis of data). A literature review of the quality of cassava in connection with the cultivation and culinary practices and characteristics of the environment was finally performed to complete the "Science and Society" process of the thesis. From the analysis of different isotopes of lead in the soil around the recycling plant it was concluded that 84 to 100% of lead in surface soils has anthropogenic origin. Avoidance behavior in the most lead polluted areas was observed for A. caliginosa earthworm species. The selenium root transfer, translocation to corn and its bioavailability in the grain are higher in the case of selenate (translocation factor of 1.1, and human bioavailability of 89.3%) compared to selenite (0.13 and bioaccessibility 82.7%). The study of crops quality in the gardens near the ICPE plant (in Bazoches), in relation to atmosphere and soil quality (low Pb contamination, alkaline pH and high organic content that reduce pollutants transfers) highlighted an atmosphere-plant transfer which depends on the metal (Cd is the most bioavailable) and plant species. Pb and Cd concentrations follow respectively the sequences: [lettuce> Leek> celery> carrot] and [lettuce> celery> carrot> leek]. To reduce population exposure, thorough washing of productions before consumption is recommended.

Ce sujet de recherche vise mieux comprendre les processus de bio remédiation qui participent à la réduction des charges en polluants dans les écosystèmes aquatiques du type zones humides, en tant que question d'actualité en ingénierie écologique. L'efficacité des processus de phytoremédiation a été largement démontrée par des applications individuelles sur le sol et les sédiments. Cette thèse a pour objectif de démontrer la participation d'une population d'invertébrés dans l'efficacité de la réduction de polluants des sédiments aquatiques en combinant le processus de bioturbation avec la phytoremédiation. Les hypotheses de recherche ont été testée expérimentalement en conditions de laboratoire à l'aide d'une série de microcosmes reproduisant chacun une portion d'interface eau/ sédiments similaire aux conditions en zones humides. Dans nos expériences, la bioturbation est réalisée par une population d'oligochètes Tubificidae bien connue comme un ingénieur écologique. La phytoremédiation associée est effectuée par une plante aquatique Typha latifolia connue pour sa capacité à extraire les polluants organiques et inorganiques des sédiments par l'accumulation dans leur biomasse. L'influence de cette biodiversité sur les flux et bilan de masse de polluants modèles, a été démontré à l'aide de 2 expériences de laboratoire mettant en oeuvre des séries de microcosmes contaminées avec du Cadmium en tant que métal trace avec une concentration initiale de 20 µg.L-1, dans l'eau surnageante, et de l'atrazine marquée avec une concentration de 5 µg.g-1 de sédiment frais en tant que micropolluant organique persistant et herbicide. Les résultats de ces expériences démontrent que le bio-transport créé par la population de tubificidae ainsi que la bioremédiation sont toujours actifs en présence de contamination ce qui confirme le potentiel de dévelopement de ces organismes en ingénierie écologique. La bioadvection du sédiment et des contaminants par les tubificidae est quantifiée grâce à l'utilisation de luminophores (traceurs particulaires). [...] / The development of efficient bioremediation techniques to reduce pollutant loads in aquatic ecosystems is a challenging research question for ecological engineering. The accuracy of phytoremediation processes has been primarily demonstrated by individual applications on soils or water sediments. The present Ph.D. aims to demonstrate the interest of additional bioturbation combined to phytoremediation processes for the improvement bioremediation efficiency of aquatic sediments. This strategy benefits are tested experimentally in controlled laboratory conditions with a serie of microcosms reproducing each a portion of water/sediment interface such as in wetland areas. In our experiments, bioturbation was carried out by a conveyor-belt invertebrate population, the tubificidae oligochaetes Tubifex tubifex, well known as an active ecological engineer. The phytoremediation was conducted by the riparian plant Typha latifolia known for its ability to remove organic and inorganic pollutants from sediments by accumulation into its biomass. The experiments were managed to demonstrate the effects of this biological influence (plant and inveterbrate) on the mass balances and fluxes of one metal and one pesticide as models of pollutants. Cadmium as a heavy, inorganic and conservative metal pollutant was introduced as a pulse input in the overlying water of the contaminated microcosms, with a cadmium concentration of 20 µg.L-1 in at the initial time of the experiment that lasted one month. In a second experiment, atrazine was mixed in the whole sediment column at the initial time in order to reach a concentration of 5 µg.g-1 of fresh sediment as a source of organic micropollutant and herbicide in the microcosms. The pesticide was radiolabeled with 14C. Fluxes from water to sediment, and from sediment to plants were assessed in experimental conditions with several treatments (+/- plants, +/- bioturbation, +/- pollutants) allowing to demonstrate the effects of the biological influence. Our results indicated that the tubificids and the related bioremediation influences are still efficient under cadmium and atrazine contaminations in aquatic systems. Biotransport due to tubificids changed the distribution of cadmium across the sediment column and enhanced the pumping of cadmium from the water to surface sediment and then to the anoxic underlying sediment surrounding the plant roots. [...]

Signal crayfish are an internationally widespread invasive species that can have important detrimental ecological impacts. This thesis aims to determine whether signal crayfish have the potential to also impact the physical environment in rivers. A series of experiments were undertaken in purpose-built still-water aquaria using a laser scanner to obtain Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of narrowly-graded gravel surfaces before and after exposure to crayfish. The difference between DEMs was used to quantify volumetric changes in surface topography due to crayfish activity. Two distinct types of topographic change were identified. The first was the construction of pits and mounds which resulted in an increase in surface roughness and grain exposure. The second was the rearrangement of surface material caused by crayfish brushing past grains when walking and foraging, reorientating grains and altering friction angles. A series of 80 flume runs were undertaken to quantify alterations made by crayfish to water-worked, as well as loose, gravel substrates at low velocity flows. Crayfish significantly altered the structure of water-worked substrates, reversing the imbrication of surface grains to a more random arrangement. Surfaces were entrained at a relatively high velocity flow subsequent to crayfish activity in order to directly link topographic and structural alterations to substrate stability. Nearly twice as many grains were mobilised from surfaces which had been disturbed by crayfish in comparison to control surfaces that were not exposed to crayfish. A field investigation aimed to determine the potential significance of the geomorphic impact of crayfish in rivers. Signal crayfish were tracked through a 20 m reach of a small, lowland alluvial river for 150 days using a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) system. Crayfish were active throughout the channel, although their activity became limited as water temperature dropped and flow stage increased. Substrate was not an important determinant of crayfish activity at this scale. Instead, crayfish tended to be found along the inner bank of a meander bend where there was a substantial cover of macrophytes. Consequently, signal crayfish were active for extended periods on substrates of a similar size to those that they could disturb in flume experiments. These results suggest that signal crayfish could have important geomorphic effects in rivers, disturbing bed structures and increasing the mobility of coarse material. This may have important implications for both the management of some rivers and benthic organisms that reside on the river bed.

A qualidade da matéria orgânica e a magnitude de suas deposições estão entre os principais fatores que controlam as respostas dos organismos bênticos marinhos. Uma vez depositada nos sedimentos, a matéria orgânica é degradada por processos biogeoquímicos microbianos, que podem ser acelerados mediante a bioturbação da macrofauna. Entretanto, em regiões costeiras, a dinâmica das forçantes ambientais influencia tanto a qualidade dos recursos alimentares, quanto os mecanismos de utilização pelos organismos, implicando em alterações na remineralização da matéria orgânica. Este estudo visou investigar o sistema bêntico da área costeira de Ubatuba frente às variações da qualidade e quantidade da matéria orgânica, incluindo os impactos da bioturbação na diagênese recente e regeneração de nutrientes. Observou-se que os processos físicos da região atuaram na variação da qualidade da matéria orgânica e na estruturação dos organismos bênticos. Os microorganismos exploraram matéria orgânica de diferentes composições, exercendo também importante papel para a comunidade macrobêntica, enriquecendo os detritos orgânicos disponíveis como alimento. A meiofauna não apresentou relação direta com alta qualidade da matéria orgânica, já a macrofauna foi estruturalmente modificada pela passagem de frentes frias e pela presença de compostos lábeis, quando os mesmos apareceram em maiores concentrações. Experimentalmente, verificou-se que a mistura de partículas foi significativa somente quando altas densidades da macrofauna estiveram presentes na superfície do sedimento. Além disso, foi demonstrado em laboratório que a macrofauna exerceu pouca influência nos fluxos de oxigênio e nutrientes do sedimento para a água, porém suficiente para estimular a decomposição de material orgânico verticalmente na coluna sedimentar. Portanto, a dinâmica dos processos físicos e as variações estruturais da macrofauna são importantes fatores ecológicos na modulação de funções fundamentais do ecossistema costeiro de Ubatuba, como produtividade, metabolismo bêntico, degradação da matéria orgânica e fluxos de energia. / The magnitude and quality of organic matter inputs to the seafloor are among the main factors regulating the responses of marine benthic communities. Once deposited on the sediments, the organic matter is degraded by several microbial biogeochemical processes that may be stimulated through macrofauna bioturbation. However, in coastal regions the dynamics of environmental forcing not only influences the quality of food sources, but the food uptake by organisms, resulting in changes on remineralization rates of organic material. This study aimed to investigate the benthic system of Ubatuba coastal area in relation to quality and quantity of organic matter as well as bioturbation impacts on early diagenesis and nutrient regeneration. Data suggests that physical stresses influenced the quality of organic matter and the structure of benthic organisms. Different compositions of organic matter were assimilated by microorganisms, which in turn played an important role to the macrobenthic community, enriching the organic detritus available as food. The meiofaunal organisms did not numerically respond to the deposition of high quality organic matter, while macrofauna community structure was modified by the incidence of cold fronts and by the presence of labile compounds, whenever available. Experimentally, sediment reworking was only significant at higher levels of macrofaunal density on the sediment surface. In addition, it was demonstrated in laboratory that macrofauna imposed weak effects on the fluxes of oxygen and nutrients from sediments to the water column, but those changes were enough to stimulate vertically in the sediments, the decomposition of organic matter. Therefore, the dynamics of physical processes and the variability on macrofaunal structure are both important ecological factors modulating fundamental functions of the coastal ecosystem in Ubatuba, including productivity, benthic metabolism, degradation of organic matter and energy flow.

O tema desta pesquisa é a influência da atividade de minhocas no solo de uma vertente do Planalto Atlântico Paulista. O local estudado está cercado por áreas de preservação ambiental, possui florestas primárias em bom estado de conservação e apresenta clima quente com precipitações acima dos 2.000 mm por ano. Foi feito um levantamento das comunidades de anelídeos a partir de três diferentes técnicas de extração. Os organismos coletados foram identificados em nível de espécie e sua distribuição foi analisada ao longo da topografia. Demonstrou-se uma variação das populações de minhocas nos três setores da vertente, com maiores densidades no sopé e menores no topo. Verificou-se que há uma intensa atividade desses organismos no solo e que eles não se distribuem igualmente no perfil vertical, concentrando-se em algumas camadas, às vezes superficiais às vezes subsuperficiais, de acordo com o tipo de solo. Observou-se também a presença de espécies exóticas nas áreas antrópicas. Foi constatado que a atividade desses organismos modifica a morfologia (bioagregação) e também os atributos físicos (macroporosidade; bioporos) e químicos do solo (teores de matéria orgânica e dos nutrientes P, K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+; soma de bases; capacidade de troca catiônica), influenciando diversos processos pedológicos. Com seus comportamentos ecológicos (alimentar e construtor), as minhocas criam galerias, canais e produzem dejeções, ajudando na aeração do solo, na dinâmica hídrica e no processo de ciclagem dos nutrientes. Apesar do papel que desempenham na formação da cobertura pedológica, a maior parte dos levantamentos de solo não contempla os agregados biogênicos, por este motivo, demos ênfase especial à descrição destas morfologias. / The focus of this research is the activity of earthworms and their influence on the soil of an Atlantic Plateau hill slope in São Paulo State. Our area of study is surrounded by environmental preservation areas, it has primary forests in good conditions, warm climate and precipitations above 2,000 mm per year. Three different extraction techniques were used for the survey of annelid communities. The collected organisms were identified at the species level and its distribution was analyzed along the topography. We found a variation of earthworm populations in the three sectors of the slope, with the highest densities in the foothills and lower densities in the top. There is an intense activity of these organisms in the soil and they are not equally distributed in the vertical profile, concentrating on a few layers, sometimes in topsoil, sometimes in subsoil. We also observed the presence of exotic species in disturbed areas. The activity of soil fauna changes the morphology (bioaggregation), the physical (macroporosity), and chemical (P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and organic matter dynamics, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity) attributes of soil, affecting many pedological processes. With their feeding and builder ecological behaviors, earthworms create galleries, channels and produce casts, helping in soil aeration, the water dynamics and nutrient cycling processes. Despite the role they play in the formation of soil mantle, most of the ground surveys does not include the biogenic aggregates, therefore, we gave special emphasis on the descriptions of such morphologies.