Biofilm formation by benthic diatoms and their influence on the stabilisation of intertidal mudflats

摘要

Benthic diatoms form biofilms on the surface of intertidal mudflats. Up to 80% of the car-bon that is fixed by these organisms through photosynthesis is exuded as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which is predominantly composed of polysaccharides.