Food Source Estimation of Benthic Invertebrates Using Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Ratios

Abstract

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) are widely used to trace material flow in aquatic ecosystems. In this review, I first summarize the isotope values of potential food sources for benthic invertebrates reported from the Japanese coast. Then I give an example of food source analysis of benthic invertebrates in estuarine lagoons. The food sources exhibit distinctive δ13C values [riverine particulate organic matter (POM)/C3 plants,