Pertaining to microbes that live in the absence of oxygen. Also refers to conditions favorable to these organisms. Similar in meaning to anoxic , but anaerobic properly refers to microbes and their ecology whereas anoxic is simply a description of chemical conditions. Aerobic is the antonym of anerobic and refers to organisms that require oxygen. An environment devoid of measurable oxygen.
Many sediments are anoxic below the sediment-water interface.
Oxic implies some measurable or otherwise significant amounts of free oxygen. Collective term for sediment and the organisms that dwell there. The cycling of nutrients between the bottom sediments and overyling water column. Pelagic refers to deep water, especially in the ocean. Biogenically reworked zone .