RUI: Biological production of oceanic alkyl nitrates

来自海洋的烷基硝酸盐显著影响对流层臭氧浓度。然而，并不是所有的海洋烷基硝酸盐的来源都已确定。一些研究已经证明了海洋烷基硝酸盐的光化学来源，但迄今为止，即使已确定任何其他来源，也是有限的。出于这个原因，洛约拉学院的一位科学家建议从海洋硅藻中研究烷基硝酸盐的生物来源。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烷基硝酸盐，以及培养物中烷基硝酸盐的产生速度；(2)确定是否存在影响硝酸烷基形成的具体因素，如光照、营养物质、温度等；(3)确定在浮游植物中添加一氧化氮生成触发器或抑制剂是否会引起硝酸烷基生成的变化。这项工作将提高我们对海洋烷基硝酸盐的潜在来源和可能控制这些来源的因素的全面理解，并导致生物地球化学对浮游植物在氮循环中可能发挥的作用的新考虑，特别是关于活性氮。至于更广泛的影响，预计研究结果将被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.