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

在海洋中，有机氮的量在很大程度上是由两种微生物控制的途径之间的平衡控制的：反硝化作用，将硝酸盐还原为氮气，以及固氮作用，将氮气还原为铵。由于固氮的大空间变异性是很难解决与目前的测量，高分辨率测量的新方法的发展是非常可取的。为了表征海洋固氮率的地理分布，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方法来原位测量固氮。通过提供对海洋固氮速率的地理学的见解，这种方法和随后的观测将填补目前海洋环境中新氮的生物地球化学机制知识的空白，并最终有助于完善当前和未来气候的海洋生态系统模型。通过与生命和科学博物馆的伙伴关系，该项目将提供一个平台，促进气候和气候变化知识的普及，远远超过拟议工作的持续时间。此外，非正式科学教育教育工作者将参与研究，以加深他们的科学知识，并教育学生研究人员了解传播科学的有效策略。最后，这项研究将提供机会，指导本科生，研究生的支持，并为本科和研究生课程在杜克大学的教材。

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.