CAREER: Method Development for High-Resolution Underway N2 Fixation Measurements

在海洋中，有机氮的数量在很大程度上是由两种微生物控制途径之间的平衡控制的：反硝化作用，将硝酸盐还原为氮气，固氮作用，将氮气还原为铵。由于固氮的大空间变异性难以用现有的测量方法来解决，因此开发新的高分辨率测量方法是非常必要的。为了描述海洋固氮率的地理分布特征，并最终更好地估计新氮，杜克大学的研究人员将开发一种新的原位测量固氮的方法。通过提供对海洋固氮率的生物地理学见解，该方法和随后的观测将填补海洋环境中新氮生物地球化学机制的当前知识状态的空白，并最终有助于改进当前和未来气候的海洋生态系统模型。更广泛的影响：通过与生命与科学博物馆的合作，该项目将提供一个平台，在拟议工作的持续时间之外，培养气候和气候变化知识。此外，非正式科学教育的教育工作者将参与研究，以进一步他们的科学知识，并教育学生研究人员有效的传播科学的策略。最后，这项研究将为杜克大学的本科生提供指导、研究生支持以及本科生和研究生课程的教学材料。

In the oceans, the amount of organic nitrogen is in great part controlled by the balance between two microbially-controlled pathways: Denitrification, the reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas, and nitrogen fixation, the reduction of nitrogen gas to ammonium. Because the large spatial variability of nitrogen fixation is difficult to resolve with current measurements, the development of new methods for high resolution measurements is highly desirable. In order to characterize the geographical distribution of oceanic nitrogen fixation rates and ultimately yield better estimates of new nitrogen, researchers at Duke University will develop a novel method for in situ measurements of nitrogen fixation. By providing insights into the biogeography of oceanic nitrogen fixation rates, this method and ensuing observations will fill a gap in the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms governing the biogeochemistry of new nitrogen in oceanic environments, and ultimately aid in the refinement of oceanic ecosystem models for current and future climate.Broader Impacts: Through a partnership with the Museum of Life and Science, the project will provide a platform to foster climate and climate change literacy well beyond the duration of the proposed work. In addition, Informal Science Education educators will participate in research to further their scientific knowledge, and educate student researchers on effective strategies to communicate science. Finally, the study will provide opportunities for mentoring of undergraduate students, graduate student support, and teaching material for undergraduate and graduate courses at Duke University.