Collaborative Research: Across the Salinity Transition--Changes in N and P Biogeochemistry along an Estuarine Salinity Gradient

水生生态系统受到氮(N)和磷(P)过度富集化的威胁。由于不清楚的原因，磷的增加通常对淡水的影响最大，而氮的增加对咸水的影响最大。这项研究的目的是了解河口从淡水到咸水转变过程中氮和磷的生物地球化学变化。该项目将测量沿Patuxent河口盐度转换的N和P的输入和清除，调查分水岭衍生的颗粒P的重要性，并测试关于N、P、铁和硫循环相互作用的假设。N和P的转化和释放将通过培养沿盐度梯度的沉积物岩芯来测量。将通过实验改变孵化岩心上海水、海盐、硫酸盐和硝酸盐的浓度来研究盐度影响的机理。研究结果将有助于指导沿海生态系统的养分管理。这是一个与杰弗里·康威尔(DEB-0212636)合作的项目

Aquatic ecosystems are threatened by over enrichment with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). For unclear reasons, P enrichment generally has the greatest impact in freshwater while N enrichment has the greatest impact in saltwater. The goal of this study is to understand how the biogeochemistry of N and P change along the transition from freshwater to saltwater in an estuary. The project will measure inputs and removals of N and P along the salinity transition of the Patuxent River estuary, investigate the importance of watershed-derived particulate P, and test hypotheses about interactions of N, P, iron and sulfur cycles. Transformations and releases of N and P will be measured by incubating sediment cores from along the salinity gradient. The mechanisms of salinity effects will be investigated by experimentally altering concentrations of seawater, sea salts, sulfate, and nitrate over incubated cores. The results will help guide nutrient management in coastal ecosystems. This is a collaborative project with Jeffrey Cornwell (DEB-0212636)