Environmental effects of meiofaunal burrowing

Abstract Meiofauna are a diverse and productive group of Protozoa and Metazoa which may be the dominant sediment infauna. Meiofauna may greatly affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of sediments. Physical effects of meiofauna include biodeposition, bioturbation, porewater circulation and faecal pellet production. Three forms of biodeposition are shown by meiofauna-filter feeding, the creation of calcareous tests and deposition of manganese and iron oxides. Bioturbation by meiofauna occurs during burrow formation, feeding and vertical migrations. Burrow formation is known for only a few species of copepods, nematodes and tanaids. Porewater circulation by meiofauna is due to their movement within the interstices and to burrow formation.