| The biochemical composition of the sediments in a Mediterranean submarine cave (Marseille, France) was studied, and a budget for the biogeochemical cycle of organic carbon was calculated. Chloropigment and lipid levels were markedly lower in sediments from the dark inner section of the cave compared to the twilight outer section. These decreased levels were related to the decrease in the vertical inputs of particulate organic matter. Lower decreases were recorded in the sediment content of other organic constituents (organic carbon, organic nitrogen, carbohydrates, proteins). The analysis of carbohydrate and protein extracted from sediments (NaOH 1 N, 24 h, 4-degrees-C) yielded no significant information, demonstrating the ambiguous significance of such a... |
