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Comparison of nitrifier activity versus growth in the Scheldt estuary - a turbid, tidal estuary in northern Europe
Andersson, M.G.I.; Brion, N.; Middelburg, J.J. (2006). Comparison of nitrifier activity versus growth in the Scheldt estuary - a turbid, tidal estuary in northern Europe. Aquat. Microb. Ecol. 42(2): 149-158. dx.doi.org/10.3354/ame042149
In: Aquatic Microbial Ecology. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0948-3055; e-ISSN 1616-1564
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 219636 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Population functions > Growth
    Brackish water; Fresh water
Author keywords
    nitrification; nitrifier activity; nitrifier growth; 15<; sup>N stable isotopes; 14<; sup>C bicarbonate
Authors  Top 
  • Andersson, M.G.I.
  • Brion, N.
  • Middelburg, J.J.
Abstract
    Nitrifier activity and growth were measured in the Scheldt estuary over a salinity gradient. Measurements were made during all 4 seasons using 15N enriched ammonium and 14C labeled carbon incorporation. Established conversion ratios are often used to convert the growth of nitrifiers (measured as the incorporation of carbon) to nitrifying activity (i.e. oxidation of ammonium to nitrate). Our study demonstrated that the conversion of growth rates to nitrifying activity induces uncertainty because activity and growth of nitrifiers may be uncoupled. The C:N conversion ratio appears to be oxygen and temperature dependent. We advocate the use of 15N stable isotope techniques to study nitrification: this technique measures the actual activity of nitrifiers without the disadvantages involved in using inhibitors, and thus allows light inhibition to be measured.
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