Coastal embayments are dynamic open systems characterized by multiple sedimentary environments with specific biogeochemical properties, which instead are influenced by physicochemical and biological processes (e.g., hydrodynamics, carbon deposition, abiotic-chemical reactions, macrofaunal and microbial activity). In this study, a novel approach that combines benthic habitat mapping, empirical measurements, and multivariate analysis was used 1) to determine the variability of benthic primary production, respiration, and denitrification in different sediment types; and 2) to examine how sediment nutrient fluxes are influenced by organic content, porosity, salinity, temperature, depth, light availability, habitat, and sediment type. Of the total observed variance in benthic metabolic activity, 12.6%–66.5% was accounted for by these variables. Results highlight the important role of benthic diversity and their contribution to energy and matter cycling in coastal sediments. Consideration of these factors is key for the prediction of benthic processes at scales relevant for coastal management and valuation of associated ecosystem services.

沿海排泄物是动态开放系统，其特征是具有特定生物地球化学特性的多个沉积环境，而受物理化学和生物过程（例如，流体动力学，碳沉积，非生物化学反应，大型动物和微生物活动）的影响。在这项研究中，采用了一种结合底栖生境图，经验测量和多变量分析的新颖方法：1）确定不同沉积物类型底栖初生，呼吸和反硝化的变化；2）研究沉积物养分通量如何受到有机物含量，孔隙度，盐度，温度，深度，光的可利用性，生境和沉积物类型的影响。在这些底栖代谢活动的总观测变化中，这些变量占了12.6％–66.5％。结果突出了底栖生物多样性的重要作用及其对沿海沉积物中能量和物质循环的贡献。考虑这些因素对于预测与沿海管理和相关生态系统服务相关的规模的底栖生物过程至关重要。