| The étang de Berre, near Marseilles (France), is an inland brackish basin with a high primary rate of production. In 1966, the diversion of the Durance River introduced important hydrological changes. A study of organic matter mineralization and ionie exchanges at the water-sediment interface has made it possible to distinguish two areas, according to the composition of organic matter, mineralization mechanism and ionie transfers. In the North, the high rate of mineral sedimentation leads to a low content of organic matter in the sediment. This organic matter of detrital origin is little affected by mineralization; there is, however, high production of ammonium nitrogen, which is released to overlying waters. Nitrates and nitrites undergo denitrification... |
