SUBPROJECT - B3

 

Sensitivity of oceanic biological nitrogen fixation to changes in dissolved oxygen

 

Nitrogen (N2) fixation is a key control on the oceanic nitrogen inventory. High NO3- and low O₂ concentrations favour N-loss: resulting low N/P ratios are hypothesised to promote N2 fixation. This project examined direct ([O₂]) and indirect (N/P) effects of O₂ on rates of N₂ fixation and the functional gene diversity of N2-fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs). A metagenomic approach was used to determine the extent to which phylogenetically-related diazotroph ecotypes are adapted to specific nutrient stoichiometry and O₂ concentrations.

 

 

Contact:
Prof. Ruth Schmitz-Streit                 Prof. Julie LaRoche
Tel.: +49 431 880 4334                    Tel.: +49 431 600 4212
rschmitz(a)gpi.uni-kiel.de                 jlaroche(a)geomar.de