NITROGEN FIXING ORGANISMS IN THE SEA
Abstract
Nitrogen in nature goes through a series of transformations from one chemical form into another. The question of nitrogen fixation in the sea can be divided into two parts: (a) do nitrogen fixing organisms occur in the sea, and, (b) if so, are they actively fixing nitrogen there. The first part of this question can be answered with an unequivocal yes. Nitrogen fixing marine microbes have been known for a number of years, since the sulfate reducing bacteria were found to carry out this reaction. A search has therefore been made for other potential biological sources of combined nitrogen in the sea. Because of the low concentration of organic matter in sea water, attention was first focused on autotrophic microorganisms, especially the blue-green algae. Routine screening of Northern California sea water samples to determine the number of nitrogen fixing organisms therein, pink yeasts of the genu Rhodotorula frequently developed on the plates of nitrogen-free media that were used. There is strong presumptive evidence that these yeasts fix nitrogen. Factors that may determine the growth of nitrogen fixing organisms in the sea are phosphate and some of the micronutrient elements, including iron, boron, calcium, and molybdenum. Evidence shows that nitrogen fixing microorganisms occur in sea water, often in considerable numbers, and that the available nutrients should permit them to grow and fix nitrogen there. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0259378
Entities
People
- Mary Belle Allen
Organizations
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute