Mesocosm experiments: mimicking seasonal developments of microbial variables in North Sea sediments

Attempts were made to mimic the seasonal development of North sea sediments in mesocosms, with reference particularly to microbial variables. Phaeocystis was used as the source of organic matter for the experiments because of its abundance and extended bloom periods in eutrophic Dutch coastal waters. Developments of microbial processes in the field were compared with those in the mesocosms. The seasonal development of microbial variables could be simulated in mesocosms with supplies of organic matter. Carbon budgets illustrated differences between conditions in mesocosms and those in the field. There are 47 references.