Controls on Bioavailability of Phosphorus in the Coastal Ocean: A Coupled Geochemical and Enzymatic Approach
Abstract
My long term goal is to identify the processes which control the supply of bioavailable nutrients to the coastal ocean and to evaluate controls on nutrient limitation of biological productivity in the coastal ocean. Of particular interest to me is the possibility that nutrients other than nitrogen can limit biological productivity, and understanding the conditions which favor limitation by phosphorus. I have two broad objectives. The first is to quantify and characterize the different nutrient sources to the coastal field area, the Eel River Shelf, on a seasonal basis. The external nutrient sources include riverine input, benthic flux, and upwelling. Bioavailable forms of nutrients are distinguished from unavailable forms using geochemical methods. The second objective is to link the bioavailable nutrient supply to the metabolic nutrient demand expressed by phytoplankton. Finally, the seasonal presence of nutrient limitation is determined, as is the identity of the limiting nutrient(s).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA536186
Entities
People
- Kathleen C. Ruttenberg
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution