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

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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.