Primary production of lipid biomarker compounds byEmiliania huxleyi. Results from an experimental mesocosm study in fjords of southwestern Norway

Abstract

Abstract Mesocosm experiments and field studies were conducted in Raunefjorden, Bjornafjorden and Samnangerfjorden in southern Norway during April - May 1992 to assess the production of lipid biomarkers by the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Hay et Mohler. The long-chain alkenone distribution was distinctive in having high relative abundances of tetraunsaturated C and C38 alkenones. A diunsaturated C37 alkenoate was tentatively identified for the first time. Total alkenone + alkenoate concentrations increased exponentially at the same rate as E. huxleyi cell numbers and particulate calcite concentrations, indicating that the average ratio of organic to inorganic carbon production in E. huxleyi was roughly constant during the experiments. High biomarker to calcified cell ratios (< 2.5 pg ∂ (alkenones + alkenoates) cell−1) in the later stages of the mesocosm experiments and in natural fjord waters suggested significant numbers of uncalcified E. huxleyi cells. The original Uk37 ratio of Brassell...