Mmol Si Research Articles

Seasonal abundance, community composition, and silica content of diatoms epiphytic on Cladophora glomerata

The establishment of dreissenid mussels in the Great Lakes has been implicated in causing a resurgence of benthic macroalgae, notably Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kützing. The seasonal proliferation and nutrient retention of epiphyton on Cladophora may be important to littoral zone processes. In this study, peak diatom epiphyte density (601 diatoms μg − 1 dry mass) co-occurred with peak Cladophora biomass. The exceptionally adhesive Cocconeis pediculus came to dominate the epiphyton to the near exclusion of all other diatoms by early summer, indicating powerful constraints on the epiphyte assemblage. There was a strong relationship between epiphytic silica content and epiphyte abundance, but the relationship was different between seasons. In the spring and fall when Cladophora was growing vigorously, silica content of the diatom epiphytes was 20.1–25.6 pmol Si diatom − 1 . In the summer, during Cladophora senescence, silica content was 6.5–10.0 pmol Si diatom − 1 and valves were visibly thinner. These observations suggest that diatom epiphytes may be limited by Si during peak Cladophora biomass. Areal estimates of silica content of Cladophora epiphyton was strongly related with Cladophora biomass: at 2 m depth, silica content increased from 22.7 mmol Si m − 2 in the spring to 490 mmol Si m − 2 during peak Cladophora biomass. Silica content can be a valuable proxy for diatom epiphyte abundance if the vitality of the Cladophora substrate is considered. Future work needs to assess the seasonality of pelagic versus benthic silica demand and the interannual variability of epiphyte silica content to assess how changes in Cladophora biomass may affect nearshore Si cycling.

Biogeochemical responses to late-winter storms in the Sargasso Sea, III—Estimates of export production using 234Th: 238U disequilibria and sediment traps

Direct measurements of new production and carbon export in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean appear to be too low when compared to geochemical-based estimates. It has been hypothesized that episodic inputs of new nutrients into surface water via the passage of mesoscale eddies or winter storms may resolve at least some of this discrepancy. Here, we investigated particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), and biogenic silica (BSiO 2) export using a combination of water column 234Th: 238U disequilibria and free-floating sediment traps during and immediately following two weather systems encountered in February and March 2004. While these storms resulted in a 2–4-fold increase in mixed layer NO 3 inventories, total chlorophyll a and an increase in diatom biomass, the systems were dominated by generally low 234Th: 238U disequilibria, suggesting limited particle export. Several 234Th models were tested, with only those including non-steady state and vertical upwelling processes able to describe the observed 234Th activities. Although upwelling velocities were not measured directly in this study, the 234Th model suggests reasonable rates of 2.2–3.7 m d −1. Given the uncertainties associated with 234Th derived particle export rates and sediment traps, both were used to provide a range in sinking particle fluxes from the upper ocean during the study. 234Th particle fluxes were determined applying the more commonly used steady state, one-dimensional model with element/ 234Th ratios measured in sediment traps. Export fluxes at 200 m ranged from 1.91±0.20 to 4.92±1.22 mmol C m −2 d −1, 0.25±0.08 to 0.54±0.09 mmol N m −2 d −1, and 0.22±0.04 to 0.50±0.06 mmol Si m −2 d −1. POC export efficiencies (Primary Production/Export) were not significantly different from the annual average or from time periods without storms, although absolute POC fluxes were elevated by 1–11%. This increase was not sufficient, however, to resolve the discrepancy between our observations and geochemical-based estimates of particle export. Comparison of PON export rates with simultaneous measurements of NO 3 − uptake derived new production rates suggest that only a fraction, <35%, of new production was exported as particles to deep waters during these events. Measured bSiO 2 export rates were more than a factor of two higher ( p<0.01) than the annual average, with storm events contributing as much as 50% of annual bSiO 2 export in the Sargasso Sea. Furthermore it appears that 65–95% (average 86±14%) of the total POC export measured in this study was due to diatoms. Combined these results suggest that winter storms do not significantly increase POC and PON export to depth. Rather, these storms may play a role in the export of bSiO 2 to deep waters. Given the slower remineralization rates of bSiO 2 relative to POC and PON, this transport may, over time, slowly decrease water column silicate inventories, and further drive the Sargasso Sea towards increasing silica limitation. These storm events may further affect the quality of the POC and PON exported, given the large association of this material with diatoms during these periods.

Biogeochemical responses to late-winter storms in the Sargasso Sea, II: Increased rates of biogenic silica production and export

Previous studies measuring biogenic silica production in the Sargasso Sea, all conducted when no phytoplankton bloom was in progress, have reported a mean rate of 0.4 mmol Si m −2 d −1 and maximum rate of 0.9 mmol Si m −2 d −1, the lowest rates yet recorded in any ocean habitat. During February/March of 2004 and 2005 we studied the effects of late-winter storms prior to seasonal stratification on the production rate, standing stock and vertical export of biogenic silica in the Sargasso Sea. In 2004, alternating storm and stratification events provided pulsed input of nutrients to the euphotic zone. In contrast, nearly constant storm conditions in 2005 caused the mixed layer to deepen to ∼350 m toward the end of the cruise. Biogenic silica production rates in the upper 140 m were statistically indistinguishable between years, averaging ∼1.0 mmol Si m −2 d −1. In early March 2004, a storm event entrained nutrients into the euphotic zone and, upon stabilization, vertically integrated biogenic silica in the upper 140 m nearly doubled in 2 days. Within 4 days, 75–100% of the accumulated biogenic silica was exported, sustaining a flux to 200 m of ∼0.5 mmol Si m −2 d −1 (4× greater than export measured during February and March in the mid-1990s). In 2005, destabilization without stratification increased biogenic silica flux at 200 m up to two-fold above previously measured export in late winter, with little or no increase in water-column biogenic silica. Despite comprising <5% of total chlorophyll, diatoms accounted for an estimated 25–50% of the nitrate uptake in the upper 140 m and 35–97% of the particulate organic nitrogen export from the upper 200 m during both cruise periods. These previously unobserved brief episodes of diatom production and export in response to late-winter storms increase the estimated production and export of diatom-derived material in the Sargasso Sea in late winter by >150%, and increase estimated annual biogenic silica production in this region by ∼8%.

Defective Active Silicon Uptake Affects Some Components of Rice Resistance to Brown Spot

Rice is known to accumulate high amounts of silicon (Si) in plant tissue, which helps to decrease the intensity of many economically important rice diseases. Among these diseases, brown spot, caused by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae, is one of the most devastating because it negatively affects yield and grain quality. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of active root Si uptake in rice for controlling brown spot development. Some components of host resistance were evaluated in a rice mutant, low silicon 1 (lsi1), defective in active Si uptake, and its wild-type counterpart (cv. Oochikara). Plants were inoculated with B. oryzae after growing for 35 days in a hydroponic culture amended with 0 or 2 mMol Si. The components of host resistance evaluated were incubation period (IP), relative infection efficiency (RIE), area under brown spot progress curve (AUBSPC), final lesion size (FLS), rate of lesion expansion (r), and area under lesion expansion progress curve (AULEPC). Si content from both Oochikara and lsi1 in the +Si treatment increased in leaf tissue by 219 and 178%, respectively, over the nonamended controls. Plants from Oochikara had 112% more Si in leaf tissue than plants from lsi1. The IP of brown spot from Oochikara increased approximately 6 h in the presence of Si and the RIE, AUBSPC, FLS, r, and AULEPC were significantly reduced by 65, 75, 33, 36, and 35%, respectively. In the presence of Si, the IP increased 3 h for lsi1 but the RIE, AUBSPC, FLS, r, and AULEPC were reduced by only 40, 50, 12, 21, and 12%, respectively. The correlation between Si leaf content and IP was significantly positive but Si content was negatively correlated with RIE, AUBSPC, FLS, r, and AULEPC. Single degree-of-freedom contrasts showed that Oochikara and lsi1 supplied with Si were significantly different from those not supplied with Si for all components of resistance evaluated. This result showed that a reduced Si content in tissues of plants from lsi1 dramatically affected its basal level of resistance to brown spot, suggesting that a minimum Si concentration is needed. Consequently, the results of this study emphasized the importance of an active root Si uptake system for an increase in rice resistance to brown spot.

Si cycle in the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela: Seasonal variability in silicate availability and the Si:C:N composition of sinking particles

A 9‐year time series of water column and sediment trap measurements was used to examine silicon cycling within the anoxic Cariaco Basin. The dynamic hydrographic regime within Cariaco Basin results in strong seasonal changes in nutrient availability and the Si:C:N of sinking particles. Upwelling in early winter injects silicic acid (Si(OH)4= ) and nitrate (NO3−) rich waters into the photic zone which stimulates primary production and results in opal fluxes in excess of 4 mmol Si m−2 d−1. However, even during upwelling, surface waters tend to be depleted (&lt;1 μM) in both Si(OH)4= and NO3− as a result of rapid utilization. In most years, the upper water column during winter and spring is marked by Si(OH)4= :NO3− and Si* values of less than 1. This indicates that silicate limitation in Cariaco Basin is most severe during upwelling and may restrict diatom production. Conversely, during the summer and fall when upwelling is reduced, Si(OH)4= :NO3− ratios in the upper 50 m of the water column exceed 10, implying that nitrate rather than silicate is acting to limit production during this time of year. On average, sinking particles collected at 150‐m depth in the Cariaco Basin have Si:C and Si:N values of 0.17 ± 0.01 and 1.14 ± 0.10, respectively. These ratios increase with depth to 400 m and then remain relatively constant, suggesting minimal selective removal of elements with remineralization in the anoxic portion of the water column. Similar depth‐dependent changes in these ratios are seen in surface sediments from the basin. Seasonally, particulate Si:C and Si:N are highest during the early part of the year when upwelling is most intense, while both ratios decrease to their lowest values during summer and fall. The observed seasonal variability in these ratios is due to changes in both nutrient utilization by diatoms and the contribution of diatoms to the total phytoplankton. The high ratios during upwelling suggest enhanced export of Si relative to C and N during this time of year.

An annual study of inorganic and organic nitrogen and phosphorus and silicic acid in the southeastern Beaufort Sea

Water column samples from the Mackenzie Shelf, the Beaufort Sea, and the Amundsen Gulf were obtained during 2003–2004 to investigate nutrient dynamics in an Arctic ecosystem influenced by a large river and flaw lead polynya. Nutrient inventories in the upper water column showed a significant seasonal drawdown of nitrate (NO3−) and silicic acid (Si(OH)4) (1:1.75 mol/mol) and subsequent accumulation of nitrite (NO2−) and ammonium (NH4+). Dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations (DON and DOP) were elevated in surface waters during the time of peak phytoplankton growth (bloom and postbloom phases) and covaried in a 17:1 molar ratio. Vertical profiles showed the typical middepth maxima in NO3−, PO43−, and Si(OH)4 at salinity 32–33.1. The concentration of DOP (0.76 ± 0.27 μmol P L−1) was also 2 times higher in this layer compared to the surface average and inversely correlated with the water mass tracer N* [N* = (NO3− − 16 × PO43− + 2.9) × 0.87], suggesting that Pacific‐derived waters were a source of the enrichment. Below the mixed layer, DON was generally constant with depth, although averaged profiles (like those of urea) suggested the presence of subsurface maxima at 50 m and between 250 and 300 m. Regeneration ratios varied with depth and were approximately 9.0 mol −O2/mol NO3− and 122.5 mol −O2/mol PO43− in shallow Pacific‐derived waters (halocline layer) and 17.4 and 193.5 in deep Atlantic waters (Atlantic layer), respectively. Deep waters of the Amundsen Gulf contained an excess of 1.7 μmol NO3− L−1, 0.12 μmol PO43− L−1, and 6.2 μmol Si(OH)4 L−1 and a deficit in O2, relative to waters of similar density in the Beaufort Sea, in proportions consistent with the remineralization ratios derived from oxygen‐nutrient regressions. Enhanced export of particulate matter from the overlying polynya and subsequent remineralization at depth are hypothesized to create this nutrient enrichment.

High-resolution trends of nutrients, DOM and nitrogen uptake in the annual sea ice at Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea

AbstractHigh-resolution trends of nutrients and DOM are analysed, with respect to nitrate and ammonium uptakes, in two coastal stations placed on the annual land-fast ice at Terra Nova Bay. The highest accumulations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (87.2 µmol N dm-3), reactive phosphorus (14.1 µmol P dm-3) and reactive silicon (22.9 µmol Si dm-3) were observed in the bottom ice, although this process was preceded by a nutrient decrease in an interior sea ice layer. In the upper layer of sea ice, DOM was rather constant in concentration and P-deficient (C:N:P = 377:34:1–579:53:1). In the bottom and platelet ice, the accumulation of DOM (1277 µmol C dm-3; 108.2 µmol N dm-3; 7.67 µmol P dm-3) occurred with lower C:N:P ratios (123:14:1–59:7:1), because of a major contribution of fresher organic matter. Nitrate (&lt; 7.33 µmol N dm-3 d-1) and ammonium (&lt; 2.85 µmol N dm-3 d-1) uptakes in the bottom ice were higher than in the platelet ice. The comparison between the data of N-uptake and the concomitant release of total dissolved nitrogen in the bottom ice indicated that the microbial community may be subjected to low growths in situ and high releases of dissolved nitrogen, when it accumulates in this sea ice habitat.

Particle export within cyclonic Hawaiian lee eddies derived from 210Pb–210Po disequilibrium

Abstract Particle export from the upper waters of the oligotrophic ocean may play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Mesoscale eddies have been hypothesized to inject new nutrients into oligotrophic surface waters, thereby increasing new production and particle export in otherwise nutrient deficient regimes. The E-Flux Program was a large multidisciplinary project designed to investigate the physical, biological and biogeochemical characteristics of cold-core cyclonic eddies that form in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. There, we investigated particle dynamics using 210Pb–210Po disequilibrium. Seawater samples for 210Pb and 210Po were collected both within (IN) and outside (OUT) of two cyclones, Noah and Opal, at different stages of their evolution as well as from the eddy generation region. Particulate carbon (PC), particulate nitrogen (PN) and biogenic silica (bSiO2) export fluxes were determined using water-column PC, PN, and bSiO2 inventories and the residence times of 210Po. PC and PN fluxes at 150 m ranged from 1.58±0.10 to 1.71±0.16 mmol C m−2 d−1 and 0.22±0.02 to 0.30±0.02 mmol N m−2 d−1 within Cyclones Opal and Noah. PC and PN fluxes at OUT stations sampled during both cruises were of similar magnitudes, 1.69±0.16 to 1.67±0.16 mmol C m−2 d−1 and 0.30±0.03 to 0.26±0.03 mmol N m−2 d−1. The bSiO2 fluxes within Cyclone Opal were 0.157±0.010 mmol Si m−2 d−1 versus 0.025±0.002 mmol Si m−2 d−1 at OUT stations. These results of minimal PC and PN export, but significant eddy-induced bSiO2 fluxes, agree very well with other studies that used a variety of direct and indirect methods. Thus, our results suggest that using elemental inventories and residence times of 210Po is another independent and robust method for determining particle export and should be investigated more fully.

The influence of a mature cyclonic eddy on particle export in the lee of Hawaii

Abstract Mesoscale eddies may enhance primary production (PP) in the open ocean by bringing nutrient-rich deep waters into the euphotic zone, potentially leading to increased transport of particles to depth. This hypothesis remains controversial, however, due to a paucity of direct particle export measurements. In this study, we investigated particle dynamics using 234Th–238U disequilibria within a mesoscale cold-core eddy, Cyclone Opal, which formed in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. 234Th samples were collected along two transects across Cyclone Opal as well as during a time-series within the eddy core during a decaying diatom bloom. Particulate carbon (PC), particulate nitrogen (PN) and biogenic silica (bSiO2) fluxes at 150 m varied spatially and temporally within the eddy and strongly depended on the 234Th model formulation used (e.g., steady state versus non-steady state, inclusion of upwelling, etc.). Particle fluxes estimated from a steady state model assuming an upwelling rate of 2 m day−1 yielded the best fit to sediment-trap data. These 234Th-derived particle fluxes ranged from 332±14 to 1719±53 μmol C m−2 day−1, 27±3 to 114±12 μmol N m−2 day−1, and 33±20 to 309±73 μmol Si m−2 day−1. Although PP rates within Cyclone Opal were elevated by a factor of 2–3, PC and PN fluxes were the same, within error, inside and outside of Cyclone Opal. The ratio of PC export to PP remained surprisingly low at

Community metabolism in temperate maerl beds. II. Nutrient fluxes

Maerl community ammonium (NH4 + ), nitrate + nitrite (NO3 - + NO2 - ), dissolved silicic acid (DSi) and phosphate (PO4 3- ) fluxes were measured seasonally in the Bay of Brest (France). Nutri- ent exchanges at the sediment-water interface were assessed using benthic chambers. Nutrient fluxes differed between light and dark conditions, and fluctuated seasonally, with minimum values in winter and spring and maximum values in summer and autumn. In the dark, net community fluxes of NH4 + , NO3 - + NO2 - , DSi and PO4 3- varied from 53 to 226 μmol N m -2 h -1 , -107 to 70 μmol N m -2 h -1 , 18 to 180 μmol Si m -2 h -1 and 5 to 19 μmol P m -2 h -1 , respectively. In the light, NH4 + , NO3 - + NO2 - , DSi and PO4 3- fluxes ranged from 17 to 110 μmol N m -2 h -1 , -223 to -10 μmol N m -2 h -1 , -34 to 112 μmol Si m -2 h -1 and 1 to 12 μmol P m -2 h -1 , respectively. Temperature, community respiration, gross com- munity production and bottom water dissolved oxygen and nutrient concentrations mainly controlled seasonal fluctuations of benthic nutrient fluxes. Annual net community fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), DSi and PO4 3- were 6 g N m -2 yr -1 , 10 g Si m -2 yr -1 and 2 g P m -2 yr -1 , respectively. Annual gross community uptakes of DIN, DSi and PO4 3- were 12 g N m -2 yr -1 , 9 g Si m -2 yr -1 and 1 g P m -2 yr -1 , respectively. Nutrient supply from the maerl community to the water column contributed potentially to between 18 and 55% of the annual phytoplanktonic production in the Bay of Brest.

Modeling carbon and silicon cycling in the equatorial Pacific

Abstract The equatorial Pacific is a region of significant particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) and biogenic silica sedimentation, the majority of which is carried out by coccolithophorids and diatoms. We developed an ecosystem model that explicitly includes three phytoplankton functional groups (picoplankton, coccolithophorids, and diatoms), two zooplankton functional groups (microzooplankton and mesozooplankton), nutrients (nitrate NO 3 , ammonium NH 4 , and silicate Si(OH) 4 ), detritus (particulate organic matter, biogenic silica, and PIC), total alkalinity, total CO 2 , and partial pressure of CO 2 at the surface water (pCO 2sea ). The model is capable of reproducing many biogeochemical features for the region, such as high-nutrient low-chlorophyll condition, significant exposure of phytoplankton under grazing controls by zooplankton, and large CO 2 release to the atmosphere. The export ratio of PIC to particulate organic carbon (rain ratio) to the deep water was 0.16, higher than the global-mean values, implying predominant PIC sedimentation in the equatorial Pacific upwelling region. Comparison between calcification and no-calcification model results indicates that when coccolithophorids are present, the community interactions actually induce more diatom biomass, export fluxes of detritus, and CO 2 release to the atmosphere. The model results show remarkable calcification in the subsurface layers, which suggests more field data on calcification processes are needed. Increase of source (120 m depth) Si(OH) 4 concentration associated with the tropical instability waves lead to a linear increase in biogenic silica export. Higher Si(OH) 4 concentration stimulates diatom growth, which causes a decrease in picoplankton because feeding pressure by mesozooplankton switched from picoplankton's grazer, microzooplankton, to the abundant diatoms. Surface coccolithophorid biomass has its maximum at intermediate source Si(OH) 4 concentrations as a result of higher grazing pressure on coccolithophorids and higher NO 3 regulation on coccolithophorid growth, with lower and higher source Si(OH) 4 concentrations, respectively. Surface total alkalinity has its minimum and TCO 2 has its maximum at intermediate source Si(OH) 4 concentrations. The two effects on pCO 2sea result in maximum CO 2 release to the atmosphere and PIC export to the deep water, with nearby standard source Si(OH) 4 concentration of 7.5 (mmol Si m −3 ). The enhanced changes in biogenic silica export flux than in surface diatom biomass, confirmed by the model sensitivity study, suggest sedimented detritus under the equatorial Pacific upwelling region acts as an amplifier of changes in surface properties. The model results suggest that physical forcing, such as tropical instability waves, Kelvin waves, and La Nina, which is capable of changing Si(OH) 4 and iron concentrations in the euphotic zone, significantly affect both carbon and silicon fluxes in the region.

Nutrient Fluxes in the Microalgal-dominated Intertidal Regions of the Lower Yaquina Estuary, Oregon (USA)

The effects of benthic microalgae on sediment nutrient fluxes were investigated at three sites across the intertidal zone of lower Yaquina Bay. Study sites were selected where microalage were present but where seagrass and mud shrimp were absent. Sediment columns were collected seasonally from one to three stations from September 1999 through August 2000 to determine the seasonal and spatial range in benthic fluxes. Collected sediments were carried to the nearby laboratory for light and dark incubation experiments. Nitrate fluxes ranged from −122 to −4 μmol N m−2 hr−1, whereas ammonia fluxes ranged from −52 to 101 μmol N m−2 hr−1. The ranges for orthophosphate and silicate were −7.4 to 12 μmol P m−2 hr−1 and −93 to 283 μmol Si m−2 hr−1. The sediments were always a net sink for nitrate. Nitrate uptake rates were highest during the warmest month (August) and lowest during the coldest months (November and January). Nitrate fluxes were not statistically different for light and dark conditions. Ammonium was ge...

Nutrient dynamics and seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages in a Southern European Estuary: Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

The spatial and temporal dynamics of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved phosphate, dissolved silica and chlorophyll a were measured seasonally at eight stations in the Ria de Aveiro. Between December 2000 and September 2001, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages, inferred after the spatial and seasonal variation of silica and of chlorophyll a concentrations, showed that diatoms (μmol Si L −1) dominated from late autumn until early spring, while chlorophytes (μg Chl a L −1) bloomed during late spring and summer. The Si:N:P ratios and Si concentrations indicated no seasonal depletion in dissolved silica, as in other temperate systems, possibly because of abnormal precipitation and flood events prolonging the supply of dissolved Si to the system. The Si:N:P ratios suggested P limitation at the system level. Despite the relative proportions of available nutrients, the mean phosphorus concentration (5.3 μmol L −1) was above the reported half-saturation constants for P uptake by phytoplankton. Thus, in Ria de Aveiro, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages may also be dependent on the grazing capacity of the pelagic community through top-down regulation.

Aerosol inputs enhance new production in the subtropical northeast Atlantic

Atmospheric deposition is an important source of limiting nutrients to the ocean, potentially stimulating oceanic biota. Atmospheric inputs can also deliver important amounts of organic matter, which may fuel heterotrophic activity in the ocean. The effect of atmospheric dry aerosol deposition on the metabolic balance and net production of planktonic communities remains unresolved. Here we report high inputs of aerosol‐bound N, Si, P, Fe and organic C to the subtropical NE Atlantic and experimentally demonstrate these inputs to stimulate autotrophic abundance and metabolism far beyond the modest stimulation of heterotrophic processes, thereby enhancing new production. Aerosol dry deposition was threefold to tenfold higher in the coastal ocean than in the open ocean, and supplied high average (±SE) inputs of organic C (980 ± 220 μmol C m−2 d−1), total N (280 ± 70 μmol N m−2 d−1), Si (211 ± 39 μmol Si m−2 d−1), and labile Fe (1.01 ± 0.19 μmol Fe m−2 d−1), but low amounts of total P (8 ± 1.6 μmol P m−2 d−1) to the region during the study. Experimental aerosol inputs to oceanic planktonic communities from the studied area resulted, at the highest doses applied, in a sharp increase in phytoplankton biomass (sevenfold) and production (tenfold) within 4 days, with the community shifting from a dominance of picocyanobacteria to one of diatoms. In contrast, bacterial abundance and production showed little response. Primary production showed a much greater increase in response to aerosol inputs than community respiration did, so that the P/R ratio increased from around 0.95 in the ambient waters, where communities were close to metabolic balance, to 3.3 at the highest nutrient inputs, indicative of a high excess production and a potential for substantial net CO2 removal by the community in response to aerosol inputs. These results showed that aerosol inputs are major vectors of nutrient and carbon inputs, which can, during high depositional events, enhance new production in the NE subtropical Atlantic Ocean.

Silicon in the marine environment: Dissolved silica trends in the Baltic Sea

Dissolved silica (DSi) is an important nutrient for primary production. During the last decades, negative trends in DSi concentrations have been observed in coastal areas globally, with implications for the marine ecosystem. This tendency is mainly attributed to two processes: decrease in river loadings (as a result of water regulation and building of dams) and eutrophication in the coastal zone, with subsequent silica depletion. One such area affected by both an intensive water regulation and eutrophication is the Baltic Sea. The present study focused on the pelagic DSi trends in different parts of the Baltic Sea for the last three decades. It was found that there are decreasing trends for most of areas and water depths ranging between −0.05 and −1.2 μmol Si l −1 yr −1. The trends are levelling out during the last decade. Since the riverine load of dissolved silica has not changed at a corresponding rate during the time period, the decrement is assumed to be mainly a result of the ongoing eutrophication within the marine water body. This assumption was strengthened by the increasing trends of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus.

Anaerobic diagenesis of silica and carbon in continental margin sediments: Discrete zones of TCO 2 production

Pore water profiles of dissolved Si, Ca 2+, SO 4 2-, CH 4, and TCO 2 (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon; DIC) were determined from multicores and gravity cores collected at nine sites off Southern California, the west coast of Mexico, and within the Gulf of California. These sites were located within the eastern North Pacific oxygen minimum zone at depths of 400 to 900 m and in settings where bottom water oxygen concentrations were <3 μM and sediments were laminated. Pore water profiles were defined at a resolution of millimeters (whole core squeezing), centimeters (sectioning and squeezing) and meters (gravity core sectioning and squeezing), and diffusive fluxes were calculated for different zones within the sediment column. The flux of dissolved silica across the sediment-water interface (SWI) ranged from 0.3 to 3.4 mmol Si m -2d -1, and TCO 2 fluxes ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 mmol C m -2d -1. A positive correlation ( r = 0.74) existed between these fluxes, yet these two constituents exhibited significantly different diagenetic behavior downcore; dissolved Si generally reached a constant concentration (between 450 and 900 μM) in the upper few cm, whereas TCO 2 concentrations increased monotonically with depth. Methane was detected at micromolar levels in sediment intervals between 0 and 60 cm and at five sites, increased to millimolar levels at depths of 80 to 170 cm. At the horizon marking the appearance of millimolar levels of methane, there was a distinct change in slope of the sulfate and TCO 2 gradients. A flux budget for this horizon was determined by using linear fits to pore water profiles; these budgets indicate that the upward TCO 2 flux away from this horizon is 40 to 50% greater than the downward sulfate flux to this horizon. Given that the TCO 2 flux to this horizon from below was quite small, this imbalance suggests that anaerobic oxidation of methane by sulfate is not the only process producing TCO 2 within this horizon. A budget for TCO 2 at this horizon is balanced when 40 to 80% of the sulfate flux is attributed to organic carbon remineralization. Of the DIC that diffuses across the SWI, 20 to 40% is generated by reactions occurring within or below this deep reaction horizon.

Efficiency of the silicate pump at a coastal oligotrophic site in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract. A one-year survey of the sedimenting particulate material was conducted at the SOFi site located on the edge of the continental slope in the Gulf of Lions (Northwestern Mediterranean) between September 1999 and December 2000. The main focus of this paper was to establish an annual budget of biogenic silica export, to describe the seasonnal pattern of Si fluxes in relation to the organic and mineral C fluxes and to quantify the Si/C decoupling processes during sedimentation. The pattern of the downward flux of BSi was partly typical with increased daily sedimentation rates during spring followed by smaller peaks during summer. However, an unusual sedimentation event was recorded in the bottom trap in February before the spring thermal stratification occurred, and represented 37% of the annual BSi mass flux. The total annual BSi flux at the SOFi site was estimated from the bottom trap and amounted to 86.8 mmol Si m-2 y-1, while the organic carbon flux amounted to 154.9 mmol C m-2 y-1. The overall efficiency of C export to depth compared to surface primary production budgets was low (3%) and similar to values found for oligotrophic regions of the Eastern Mediterranean. On the other hand, we documented a very high efficiency of the Si export at the SOFi site, with 62% of the Si produced in the surface layer exported to the bottom trap. The excellent correlation between BSi and particulate organic C (POC) in the bottom trap further indicates that the bulk of the organic matter is transferred to depth in association with diatoms. However, the main fraction of the C produced by phytoplankton is lost in the water column through oxidation or metabolisation, while biogenic silica is more efficiently transferred to depth. This strong Si/C decoupling with depth is likely to be the cause of the spring depletion of silicic acid over the entire water column which was observed by mid-April in a companion study (Leblanc et al., 2003) and may cause a severe Si limitation of the diatom spring bloom in this oligotrophic region of the Gulf of Lions.

Continental inputs of C, N, P and Si species to the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain)

C, N, P and Si in dissolved, particulate, organic and inorganic forms, determined from 12 surveys in the river Oitabén-Verdugo during 2002, allowed quantification of the chemical composition, phase partitioning and fluxes of continental materials to the inner Ría de Vigo (NW Spain). Despite the large fluxes normalised to the drainage basin of the river Oitabén-Verdugo (280 mmol C m −2 y −1, 56.5 mmol N m −2 y −1, 1.35 mmol P m −2 y −1, and 61.3 mmol Si m −2 y −1), its reduced dimensions (350 km 2) yielded relatively low concentrations of these species. Organic C, N and P represented 62%, 43% and 48% of the total C, N and P fluxes, respectively. About 90% of the organic C and N and 60% of the organic P was in the dissolved form. The chemical composition of the organic materials was compatible with detrital organic matter derived from aquatic plants, phytoplankton and soil leaching but not with unprocessed terrestrial plants. Significant temporal changes were observed in the chemical composition, related to the seasonal cycle of the biological activity in stream waters and soils, as well as the chemical weathering reactions. Spatial differences were due to the contrasting dynamic regime and, likely, the origin of the materials.

Response of the microbial food web to manipulation of nutrients and grazers in the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba and northern Red Sea

The control mechanisms within the pelagic microbial food web of the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba and the northern Red Sea were investigated in the spring of 1999. Nutrient conditions and potential grazer impact were manipulated in a series of dilution experiments. Ambient nutrient concentrations and autotrophic biomass were very low (0.23–1.21 µmol NO3 l−1, 0.06–0.98 µmol NH4 l−1, 1.08–1.17 µmol Si l−1, 0.08–0.12 µmol P l−1, 0.15–0.36 µg chlorophyll a l−1). The planktonic community was characterized by low abundances [3.0–5.5×105 heterotrophic bacteria ml−1, 0.58–7.2×103 ultraphytoplankton 8 µm l−1, 0.93–5.4×102 microzooplankton l−1] and dominated by small forms (0.2–8 µm). Dinoflagellates and oligotrichous ciliates were the most common groups in initial samples among the phytoplankton >8 µm and microzooplankton, respectively. Results show that bottom-up and top-down control mechanisms operated simultaneously. Small organisms were vulnerable to grazing, with maximum grazing rates of 1.1 day−1 on heterotrophic bacteria and 1.3 day−1 on ultraphytoplankton. In contrast, algae >8 µm showed stronger signs of nutrient limitation, especially when the final assemblages were dominated by diatoms. Synechococcus sp. were not grazed and only showed moderate to no response to nutrient additions. The high spatial and temporal variation of our results indicates that the composition of the planktonic community determines the prevailing control mechanisms. It further implies that, at this transitional time of the year (onset of summer stratification), the populations fluctuate about an equilibrium between growth and grazing.

Macronutrient dynamics in an anticyclonic mesoscale eddy in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract Each winter, long-lived anticyclonic eddies are spawned off the southern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands off the British Columbia coast. An anticyclonic eddy that formed in winter 2000 (Haida-2000) was sampled six times over 20 months as it traveled from the coast into High Nitrate-Low Chlorophyll waters of the Subarctic northeast Pacific. Repeated shipboard observations coupled with satellite radar altimetry and ocean colour suggest that Haida-2000 underwent a phytoplankton bloom early in life while still in coastal waters. This bloom caused a near depletion in eddy surface nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, silicic acid). While nitrate concentrations were restored to initial levels during winter 2001, the silicic acid inventory within Haida-2000 remained lower than initial observations. Below the euphotic zone, deep nutrient concentrations were altered by eddy decay, interactions with bathymetric features, and by the coalescence of a second, younger eddy that restored coastal characteristics within the core of Haida-2000. Estimates of new production (3–3.5 mmol NO3− m−2 d−1) derived from seasonal changes in nitrate inventories fell between values previously reported for coastal and mid-gyre environments for both years studied. In contrast, removal of silicic acid was twice as high (7.0 mmol Si(OH)4 m−2 d−1) as nitrate during the first year, but less than half as high in Year 2 (1.3 mmol Si(OH)4 m−2 d−1). Changes in the timing of nutrient drawdown accompanied the shift from high to low Si(OH)4:NO3− drawdown ratios, with the maximum changing from spring to autumn, similar to long-term observations at Ocean Station P (50°N, 145°W). Relative to the local environment, the eddy evolved from a nutrient-rich to a nutrient-poor body of water, indicating that the path of these anticyclonic eddies determines their role in nutrient supply and distribution in the Gulf of Alaska.