ISSN:
1573-515X
Keywords:
acetylene block
;
denitrification
;
nitrification
;
sediments
;
stoichiometry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract We compared denitrification rates obtained using an adaptation of the acetylene block technique to rates estimated from benthic flux nutrient stoichiometry in the subtidal sediments of Tomales Bay, California (USA). By amending whole cores with acetylene and saturating nitrate concentrations, we obtained potential denitrification rates, which ranged between 4 and 30 mmol N m−2 d−1. We determined the apparent Michaelis constant (Kapp) and the maximum potential rate (Vmp) of the denitrifying community and used these constants in a rectangular hyperbola to estimatein situ denitrification rates. Both the Kapp and Vmp of the denitrifying community exhibited significant variation over both depth in the sediment column and time of sampling. Estimates ofin situ denitrification obtained using our ‘kinetic-fix’ adaptation of the acetylene block ranged between 1.8 (March) and 9 (Sept.) mmol N m−1 d−1. Denitrification rates obtained using benthic flux stoichiometry ranged between 0.7 and 4.1 mmol N m−2 d−1. Average denitrification rates obtained using the ‘kinetic-fix’ acetylene block approach exceeded those obtained from net benthic flux stoichiometry; however, these differences were not significant. We conclude that our ‘kinetic-fix’ adaptation of the acetylene block technique provides realistic estimates of denitrification in sediments, even when pore water nitrate concentrations are low and nitrification and denitrification are closely coupled.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02181072
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