Dinitrogen fixation by benthic communities of Tikehau lagoon was measured between 1991 and 1995 at many sites, depths and seasons, to estimate the total benthic lagoonal N₂ fixation using biomass. 

The method used was the Acetylene reduction rates method, calibrated with ¹⁵N₂ for the different cyanobacterial communities. Soft bottom sediments were classified into four groups according to the visual appearence and density of cyanobacterial communities. The lagoonal limestone substratum on the pinnacles slopes is also classified into one group. The projected community surface areas are calculated to estimate each contribution to the total benthic biomass of the lagoon. 

It appears that N₂ fixation by soft bottom communities contributes 24.4% of the new production and limestone N₂ fixation 12%. 

This page was based on :

Charpy-Roubaud C., Charpy L., Larkum A.W. (2001) Atmospheric dinitrogen fixation by benthic communities of Tikehau Lagoon (Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia) and its contribution to benthic primary production. Mar. Biol. 139: 991-997