Differences in microphytobenthos and macrofaunal abundances associated with groundwater discharge in the intertidal zone.

The article discusses research done on the effect of intertidal groundwater seepage on benthic microalgae and macrofauna in several sites situated in two ecosystems in Korea. The study procedure included the comparison of the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the glossy seepage sites with sites that did not feature a visually distinct groundwater discharge. Results indicated the similarity of the pore water chemistry and the sediment properties in three out of four sites. The salinity and the nutrient concentrations of the groundwater seepage in the fourth site were also different from the other sites.