Articles | Volume 23, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-7327-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-7327-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Oct 2026
Research article |
| 20 Oct 2026
| 20 Oct 2026
Different paths, same destination: similar benthic nitrogen cycling sustained by distinct biogeochemical mechanisms in artificialized coastal systems
Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Éléonore Dansereau-Macias
Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Carole-Anne Guay
Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
David Didier
Northern and Arctic Coastal Research Lab., Center for Northern Studies, Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Christian Nozais
Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Luc Sirois
Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Faten Zouaghi
Northern and Arctic Coastal Research Lab., Center for Northern Studies, Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
Gwénaëlle Chaillou
Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada
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Short summary
Coastal structures built to protect against rising sea often change local environments. We studied how a breakwater in the Saint Lawrence Estuary altered sediments and marine organisms. The structure led to accumulation of fine, organic-rich sediments with different communities dominated by worms rather than mollusks. Surprisingly, the ability to filter nitrogen from water was similar between altered and natural areas, suggesting ecosystems can maintain some functions through different pathways.
Coastal structures built to protect against rising sea often change local environments. We...
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