Abstract
The distribution of the rates of remineralisation and assimilation of labelled urea by bacteria was determined in a temperate estuary in winter and related to the activities of planktonic populations separated by filtration into a large fraction (LF > 3 μm) and small fractions (SF < 3 μm). A significant relationship was established between remineralisation activity of the SF in situ and the ambient urea concentrations, whereas corresponding relationships between the LF in situ and urea concentrations were inconsistent. A series of comparable artificial dilution experiments demonstrated consistent effects of salinity on rates of urea remineralisation with opposing relationships observed for the LF and SF. However interpretation of the data obtained from the in situ samples in relation to those obtained experimentally indicated only minimal control of the in situ rates of urea remineralisation by salinity, thus confirming the greater influence on these rates of the ambient urea concentrations. Remineralisation activity was approximately an order of magnitude greater than the assimilation activity with no clear trends being shown between assimilation rates and environmental variables. Highest ambient concentrations of urea were consistently recorded adjacent to the freshwater inflow.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
