Collaborative Research: Across the Salinity Transition -- Changes in N and P Biogeochemistry Along an Estuarine Salinity Gradient

氮（N）和磷（P）的过度富集威胁着水生生态系统。 由于不清楚的原因，P富集通常在淡水中的影响最大，而N富集在盐水中的影响最大。 本研究的目的是了解河口从淡水到咸水的过渡过程中，氮和磷的地球化学是如何沿着变化的。 该项目将测量氮和磷的输入和去除沿着的Patuxent河口的盐度过渡，调查流域来源的颗粒P的重要性，并测试假设的N，P，铁和硫循环的相互作用。将通过培养沿着盐度梯度的沉积物芯来测量氮和磷的转化和释放。 盐度影响的机制将通过实验改变浓度的海水，海盐，硫酸盐和硝酸盐超过孵化的核心。 研究结果将有助于指导沿海生态系统的营养管理。这是一个与托马斯乔丹（DEB-0212543）合作的项目

Aquatic ecosystems are threatened by over enrichment with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). For unclear reasons, P enrichment generally has the greatest impact in freshwater while N enrichment has the greatest impact in saltwater. The goal of this study is to understand how the biogeochemistry of N and P change along the transition from freshwater to saltwater in an estuary. The project will measure inputs and removals of N and P along the salinity transition of the Patuxent River estuary, investigate the importance of watershed-derived particulate P, and test hypotheses about interactions of N, P, iron and sulfur cycles. Transformations and releases of N and P will be measured by incubating sediment cores from along the salinity gradient. The mechanisms of salinity effects will be investigated by experimentally altering concentrations of seawater, sea salts, sulfate, and nitrate over incubated cores. The results will help guide nutrient management in coastal ecosystems. This is a collaborative project with Thomas Jordan (DEB-0212543)