Collaborative Research: Benthic Microalgal Regulation of Carbon and Nitrogen Turnover in Land Margin Ecosystems: A Dual Stable Isotope Tracer Approach

合作研究：陆地边缘生态系统中碳和氮周转的底栖微藻调节：双稳定同位素示踪剂方法

• 批准号: 0542682
• 负责人: Joseph Vallino
• 金额: $ 9万
• 依托单位: Marine Biological Laboratory
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2006
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2006-03-01 至 2012-02-29
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0542682&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; Benthic; Microalgal; Regulation

Nutrient pollution in coastal ecosystems causes habitat degradation termed eutrophication. Nutrients fuel water column algal blooms which sink to the sediments, decompose, and recycle nutrients back to the water column where they enhance further algal blooms. Continued recycling of nutrients between sediments and overlying water supports chronic eutrophication. The proposed research investigates how microscopic sediment-dwelling algae might attenuate this recycling. The investigators hypothesize that sediment microalgae regulate water quality by intercepting (capping) sediment-water nutrient exchange. The proposal investigates how the cap functions, its efficiency, what causes the cap to fail in eutrophied systems, and how it can be restored. Investigators propose a unique suite of chemical tracers applied in field and laboratory experiments to answer these questions. The work focuses on pristine and eutrophied Mid-Atlantic habitats. This research will provide a better understanding of coastal ecosystem function, and improve predictions of habitat response to human perturbation and/or restoration efforts. Work of this nature is essential for identifying habitats susceptible to human disturbance, and establishing regulatory targets for nutrient loading. Broader impacts of the work include extensive educational components and public outreach. Investigators will mentor high school and undergraduate students, train graduate students, and provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. The research integrates participation of citizen groups, and creates a public forum for disseminating information. In total, this effort facilitates enhanced stewardship of coastal resources.

沿海生态系统的营养物污染导致栖息地退化，称为富营养化。 营养物质为水柱藻华提供燃料，这些藻华沉入沉积物中，分解，并将营养物质再循环回水柱，在那里它们进一步促进藻华。 沉积物和上覆水之间营养物质的持续循环支持了慢性富营养化。 拟议的研究调查了沉积物中的微观藻类如何减弱这种循环。 研究人员假设沉积物微藻通过拦截（限制）沉积物与水的营养物交换来调节水质。 该提案研究了上限的运作方式、效率、导致上限在富营养化系统中失效的原因以及如何恢复。 研究人员提出了一套独特的化学示踪剂，应用于现场和实验室实验来回答这些问题。 这项工作的重点是大西洋中部原始和富营养化的栖息地。 这项研究将有助于更好地了解沿海生态系统功能，并改进对人类扰动和/或恢复工作的栖息地响应的预测。 这种性质的工作对于确定易受人类干扰的栖息地和建立养分负荷的监管目标至关重要。 这项工作的更广泛影响包括广泛的教育内容和公共宣传。 研究人员将指导高中生和本科生，培训研究生，并为传统上代表性不足的群体提供机会。 该研究整合了公民团体的参与，并创建了一个传播信息的公共论坛。总的来说，这一努力有助于加强沿海资源的管理。