Dissertation Research: Influence of Submersed Macrophytes on Nitrogen Cycling in Aquatic Sediments

研究大型植物对沉积物中氮循环的影响。研究将集中于两种氮转化，硝化和反硝化作用，如何受到淡水和海洋生态系统中水下大型植物根部释放的氧气的影响。完整的植被和非植被沉积物岩心将作为实验系统。氮转化将使用15N技术进行测量。同时，用氧电极测量根部和根茎附近的氧梯度。本研究的结果将有助于我们理解水生生态系统中大型植物床在氮循环中的作用。马里兰大学霍恩角环境实验室的设施非常适合这类研究。肯普博士是一位优秀的研究员他将能够在卡夫瑞女士进行这个项目时为她提供建议。

The effect of macrophytes on nitrogen cycling in sediments will be studied. The research will focus on how two nitrogen transformations, nitrification and demitrification, are influenced by the release of oxygen from the roots of submerged macrophytes, from both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Intact vegetated and non-vegetated sediment cores will serve as the experimental systems. Nitrogen transformations will be measured using 15N techniques. At the same time, oxygen gradients near the roots and rhizomes will be measured using oxygen electrodes. The results of this study should contribute in important ways to our understanding of the role of macrophyte beds in nitrogen cycling in aquatic ecosystems. The facilities at the University of Maryland's Horn Point Environmental Laboratories are excellent for this type of research. Dr. Kemp is a fine researcher who will be able to advise Ms. Caffrey as she works on this project.