REU: Chemical and Microbiological Characterization of Phytoplankton Decay

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This study comprises laboratory based investigation of phytoplankton decay in which quantitative chemical measurements are conducted in tandem with examinations of microbial activity. This information on selected algae in the laboratory will assess the most appropriate methods for tracking microbial activity. The aims of the project are: 1) To determine the changes in phytoplankton as it is degraded in the water column in the laboratory under both oxic and anoxic enivronments. 2) To explore the relationship between microbial metabolism and production and the transformation of algal carbon during decomposition. 3) To compare the rates of alteration in classes of phytodetritus organic matter with microbial activities for the construction of lability indices for both individual and specific classes of organic matter.