Dissertation Research: Anaerobic Mirobial Metabolism and the Biogeochemical Functioning of Wetlands

00-72980 Hamilton/WhitmireDDIG：厌氧微生物新陈代谢和湿地的生物地球化学功能有机物的微生物分解在湿地的功能中起着核心作用，而这种分解大部分发生在没有氧气的情况下(例如，厌氧条件)。厌氧微生物调节化学变化，改变下游水质，向大气排放甲烷等温室气体，从而影响气候。通过了解微生物过程在广泛的湿地生态系统中的性质和速率的变化，我们可以更好地预测干扰对湿地功能的影响。这项研究将在密歇根的各种湿地中评估这些微生物过程。将利用为海洋和地下水研究开发的技术来确定主要的微生物过程。被测量的物质将包括溶解的氢气，分解的普遍媒介，以及厌氧代谢的化学副产品。将测量特定的工艺速率，包括醋酸盐周转和硫酸盐还原，以证实研究结果。

00-72980Hamilton / WhitmireDDIG: Anaerobic microbial metabolism and the biogeochemical functioning of wetlandsMicrobial decomposition of organic matter plays a central role in the functioning of wetlands, and much of this decomposition occurs in the absence of oxygen (e.g., anaerobic conditions). Anaerobic microorganisms mediate chemical transformations that alter downstream water quality, and emit greenhouse gases such as methane to the atmosphere, thereby affecting climate. By understanding how the nature and rates of microbial processes vary across a broad suite of wetland ecosystems, we can better predict the impacts of disturbance on the functions of wetlands. This research will evaluate these microbial processes in a variety of Michigan wetlands. Techniques developed for marine and groundwater studies will be employed to determine the dominant microbial processes. Substances to be measured will include dissolved hydrogen gas, a universal intermediary in decomposition, as well as chemical byproducts of anaerobic metabolism. Specific process rates, including acetate turnover and sulfate reduction, will be measured to corroborate the findings.