Physico-chemical parameters of both estuarine sediments (HBM and LBM) (n = 3).

Significant differences (*) between both sediments (t-test, p ≤ 0.05) were detected using a t-test (p ≤ 0.05).; for PO43-, a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U) was performed. Reliability of significance testing was checked using the Levene’s p-value (>0.05). Millimeter depth till oxic-anoxic border and pH were excluded from statistical testing as no biological replicates were taken for these parameters. a. TOM, total organic matter. b. Extracellular polymeric substances. c. Percentage mud (particle size < 63μm) determined using the Wenthworth grain size chart d. Pore water concentrations. Physico-chemical parameters of both estuarine sediments (HBM and LBM) (n = 3).