Measurement of biological oxygen demand in sandy beaches

Abstract

Measurements of biological oxygen demand in a sandy beach using conventional in situ techniques are compared with laboratory measurements of interstitial oxygen changes in intact cores. Oxygen uptake as measured in the laboratory was approximately three times that measured in the field despite the fact that the cores were undisturbed. In addition, the effect of disturbance on sediment cores was investigated and it was found that oxygen demand in disturbed cores increased by up to 60%, due mainly to an increase in bacterial activity. This effect was still evident after 24 hours of incubation. The applicability of conventional respirometer techniques to well-drained systems such as open sandy beaches is questioned and an alternative approach suggested.