in situ based on the method developed by Migné et al. (2002) by measuring CO2 fluxes at the sediment–air interface using a benthic chamber coupled to an infrared CO2 gas analyser (LiCor Li-800).
Measurements performed under ambient light and in darkness assess, respectively, benthic community net primary productivity and benthic community respiration. This method is an easy, direct and effective way of obtaining a measure of ecosystem functioning, in this case CO2 fluxes at emersion, of different benthic sediment communities.