Abstract
Abstract The biomass, ammonia and urea release, and oxygen consumption of zooplankton were measured in the coastal upwelling ecosystem off northwest Africa (∼21° 40′N, 17° to 17°45′W). Zooplankton 102 to 505 μm in size dominated the biomass nearshore, while zooplankton larger than 1000 μm were the major component offshore. After correcting for depth, regeneration of nitrogen by zooplankton was greater nearshore than offshore. The zooplankton supplied an average of 44% of the ammonia demand of the phytoplankton and an average of 25% of the total nitrogen required by the phytoplankton. This upwelling is unusual among eutrophic systems that have been studied in having such a large percentage of the nitrogen necessary for primary production supplied as ammonia released by zooplankton.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
