Sediment grain size and organic carbon distribution in the Cabras lagoon (Sardinia, Western Mediterranean)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the spatial variability of sediment bulk properties in the surface sediments as well as down-core trends, and to assess the relationship between sediment distribution and levels of total organic carbon (TOC), in the Cabras lagoon, Sardinia. Grain size distributions and TOC contents were measured in the surface sediments (0–2 cm horizon) in a grid of 31 stations. Vertical profiles along the 0–24 cm depth horizon were also measured in three stations. In the superficial horizon, TOC content was very high, up to 43 mg g⁻¹, with a mean of 33 mg g⁻¹. Core profiles showed a marked reduction of TOC content with depth to ∼20–25 mg g⁻¹ and a concomitant shift in particles size towards a sandier composition (mud content decreasing from 95–100% to 70–85%) at 3–7 cm core depth. Total organic carbon contents in the uppermost layers were associated with the grain size fraction <8 µm. The results suggest that a major change in the sedimentary regime of the lagoon, associated with internal trapping and re-distribution of organic C-bounding fine particles, has been occurring in the last few decades. The cause would appear to be the construction of a dam at the lagoon mouth rising up to the high tide level in order to maintain a constant lagoonal water level.

Keywords:

• Sediments
• Grain size
• Organic matter
• Coastal lagoons

Acknowledgement

This work was funded by the SIMBIOS project (“Piano di Potenziamento della rete scientifica e tecnologica, Cluster Ambiente Marino”) of the Italian Ministry for Scientific Research. We wish to thank Drs. B. Piergallini and S. Micheletti for their skillful assistance with field equipment and during sampling activities. The authors also gratefully thank the fishermen of Cabras (Consorzio Cooperative di Pontis) for the logistic support during sampling activities.