Porewater mixing by microorganisms, monitored by a radiotracer method

Abstract Bioturbation is an important process for the transport and mixing of solutes and particles in sediments. Mixing of porewater caused by motile microorganisms has not previously been considered to be of significance in this context, although no conclusive evidence that it is negligible has been presented. We have developed a radiotracer method for the direct comparison of mixing of a soluble inert substance in microbially active and sterile sediments. We found clear evidence of porewater mixing caused by motile microorganisms. Estimated diffusion coefficients (expressed as “mixing”; coefficients) were found to be about 20% larger in microbially active sediments than in sterile ones.