The Role of Sediment-Water Column Biogeochemical Feedback in Eutrophication Dynamics of the Neuse River Estuary, NC

研究人员将对北卡罗来纳州纽兹河河口氮驱动的富营养化进行一项外部系统规模的研究，其中将调查外部供应(“新的”)氮负荷及其在浮游植物水华中的作用、相关碳通量和由此产生的沉积物需氧量(SOD)之间的联系。这项工作的具体方面将包括调查水华形成的浮游植物群体对人为来源特定形态氮的选择性反应，这些群体对超氧化物歧化酶的影响，以及水华介导的超氧化物歧化酶对沉积物-水柱碳和氮通量的影响。此外，还将研究海底氧气水平对沉积物氮循环的影响。该提案是对环境地球化学和生物地球化学征集NSF-99-9的回应，由海洋科学、地球科学和化学与运输系统部门联合资助。

ABSTRACTThe investigators will perform an exosystem-scale study of nitrogen-driven eutrophication in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, in which linkages between externally-supplied ("new") nitrogen loading and its role in phytoplankton blooms, associated carbon flux and the resulting sediment oxygen demand (SOD) will be investigated. Specific aspects of the work will includ investigation of selective responses of bloom-forming phytoplankton groups to specifc forms of nitrogen from anthropogenic sources, the effect of these groups on SOD, and the impact of bloom mediated SOD on sediment-water column carbon and nitrogen fluxes. Additionally, the effects of bottom-water oxygen levels on sedimentary nitrogen cycling will be studied.The proposal was submitted in reponse to the Envirnmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry solicitation NSF- 99-9, and is being funded jointly by the Divisions of Ocean Science, Earth Sciences, and Chemical and Transport systems.