means to estimate the fate and effect of organic material within the framework of 

 the whole system. While this type of functional approach entails a higher level 

 of technology, it may actually be easier and quicker than the purely structural 

 approach, since the latter requires establishment of a statistically valid sampling 

 procedure and tedious examination of large numbers of samples. Thus, assessing 

 and quantifying cycling of natural materials by mass balances derived from the 

 measure of nutrient fluxes may be used to identify material sources and sinks- 

 important information for improving the potential to predict ecosystem response to 

 other similar situations. 



We have chosen to investigate the biogeochemical processes occurring within the 

 benthic boundary layer because the sediments act as a storage reservoir of both 

 particulate and dissolved nutrient material. Thus, it is at the sediment-water 

 interface that one might expect to see the most subtle or the most intense 

 alterations to ecosystem function. At this point in our research effort, we can 

 already conclude that nutrient regeneration in the sediments and release to the 

 overlying water has been responsive to nutrient loading from the Sand Island Out- 

 fall. 



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Grigg, R. W. 1975. The effects of sewage effluent on benthic marine ecosystems 

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Harrison, J. T. 1981. The influence of Alpheus mackayi on ecosystem dynamics in 

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Laws, E. A., and K. L. Terry. 1983. The impact of sewage discharge at ocean out- 

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Smith, K. L., G. A. White, and M. R. Laver. 1979. Oxygen updake and nutrient 

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Smith, S. V., W. J. Kimmerer, R. E. Brock, E. A. Laws, and T. W. Walsh. 1981. 

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