Microbial production, enzyme activity, and carbon turnover in surface sediments of the Hudson River estuary
Sinsabaugh, R.L.; Findlay, S. (1995). Microbial production, enzyme activity, and carbon turnover in surface sediments of the Hudson River estuary. Microb. Ecol. 30(2): 127-141
In: Microbial Ecology. Springer: New York,. ISSN 0095-3628; e-ISSN 1432-184X, more
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Keywords |
Aquatic organisms > Estuarine organisms Aquatic organisms > Heterotrophic organisms > Decomposers Biological production > Secondary production Chemical reactions > Degradation > Biodegradation Composition > Sediment composition Cycles > Chemical cycles > Geochemical cycle > Biogeochemical cycle Detrital deposits Enzymatic activity Food webs Fungi Microorganisms > Bacteria Organic matter > Particulates > Particulate organic matter > Organic carbon > Particulate organic carbon ANW, USA, Hudson Estuary [Marine Regions] Fresh water |
Authors | | Top |
- Sinsabaugh, R.L.
- Findlay, S.
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Abstract |
The authors investigated variability in microbial abundance and activities within the tidal freshwater estuary of the Hudson River. Surface sediments were collected from four contrasting sites: a mid-channel shoal, two types of wetlands, and a tributary confluence. These samples, collected in June to August 1992, were sorted into two to four size fractions, depending on the particle size distribution at each site. Each fraction was analyzed for bacterial biomass, bacterial production, fungal biomass, fungal production, and the potential activities of seven extracellular enzymes involved in degradation. Decomposition rates for particulate organic carbon (POC) were estimated from a statistical model relating mass loss rates to endocellulase activity. Within samples, bacterial biomass and productivity were negatively correlated with particle size. Conversely, fungal biomass was positively correlated with particle size. Extracellular enzyme activities also differed significantly among size classes, with high carbohydrase activities associated with the largest particles, while oxidative activities predominated in the smallest size classes. |
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