Use of Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios (${\delta}^{13}$C) for Identification of the Origin Organic Carbon in Benthic Food Webs in Youngil Bay, Korea

The analysis of stable carbon isotope ratios for benthic fauna was applied to identify the source of carbon in benthic food webs in Youngil Bay, Korea. The ${\delta}^{13}$C values of 9 invertebrate species collected in this area showed a narrow range between -20.5 and -16.3%$_o$ with a mean of-18.1 (${\pm}$1.1)"%$_o$. The results suggest that the major source of organic carbon for the benthic fauna of the lower estuarine reaches and the oceanic sites is autochthonous marine particulate organic matter. The contribution of organic matter from terrestrial and riverine sources to the diet of the benthic fauna in this area appears to be minor, despite the considerable inflow of riverine waters.