RUI: Biological production of oceanic alkyl nitrates

海洋中的硝酸烷基酯对对流层臭氧浓度有很大影响。 然而，并非所有海洋硝酸烷基酯的来源都已查明。 有几项研究表明海洋硝酸烷基酯有一个光化学来源，但迄今为止，如果确定了任何其他来源的话，也是有限的。 出于这个原因，洛约拉学院的一位科学家建议调查海洋硅藻中硝酸烷基酯的生物来源。 具体而言，该项目的研究目标如下：（1）确定浮游植物培养物在“正常”生长条件下是否产生硝酸烷基酯，以及培养物中硝酸烷基酯的产生率;（2）确定是否有特定因素，如光照、营养物质和温度影响硝酸烷基酯的形成;以及（3）确定在浮游植物中加入一氧化氮产生的触发剂或抑制剂是否引起硝酸烷基酯产生的变化。 拟议的工作将提高我们对海洋烷基硝酸盐的潜在来源以及可能控制这些来源的因素的全面理解，并导致对浮游植物在氮循环中可能发挥的作用的新的考虑，特别是在活性氮方面。预计研究结果将纳入研究人员教授的生物化学和仪器分析课程。 作为该项目的一部分，将支持和培训两名本科生。 这些学生将学习培养技术和如何操作气相色谱-质谱仪。

Alkyl nitrates from the oceans significantly affect tropospheric ozone concentration. However, not all sources of oceanic alkyl nitrates have been identified. A few studies have demonstrated a photochemical source of oceanic alkyl nitrates but to date, limited, if any other sources have been identified. For this reason, a scientist from Loyola College proposes to investigate the biological source of alkyl nitrates from marine diatoms. Specifically, the research goals of the project would be the following: (1) determine if cultures of phytoplankton produce alkyl nitrates under 'normal' growth conditions and the rates of production of alkyl nitrates in the cultures; (2) determine if there are specific factors such as light, nutrients, and temperature that influence alkyl nitrate formation; and (3) determine if adding triggers or inhibitors of nitric oxide production in phytoplankton cause changes in alkyl nitrate production. The proposed work will improve our overall understanding of the potential sources of oceanic alkyl nitrates and the factors that may control these sources, as well as lead to new considerations in biogeochemistry as to what role phytoplankton may play in the nitrogen cycle specifically with regard to reactive nitrogen.As regards broader impacts, it is anticipated that results from the research will be incorporated into Biochemistry and Instrumental Analysis classes taught by the researcher. Two undergraduate students will be supported and trained as part of this project. These students will learn about culturing techniques and how to operate a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.