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Nitrogen fixation in the North Pacific Ocean

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Abstract

Nitrogen fixation in the euphotic zone of the ocean was measured by C2H2 reduction and 15N2 incorporation associated with Trichodesmium sp. and also with Richelia intracellularis occurring within the cells of Rhizosolenia styliformis var. longispina, and R. cylindrus. The vertical distribution of N2 fixation activity, N2-fixing species, particulate matter and dissolved nutrients was measured. The effects of light intensity, sample concentration, length of incubation, and nutrient enrichment on the rates of C2H2 reduction were determined. Estimates of the importance of N2 fixation in adding previously uncycled nitrogen to the euphotic zone are given.

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Author notes

  1. T. H. Mague

    Present address: Institute of Marine Resources, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Marine Resources, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

    N. M. Weare & O. Holm-Hansen

Authors
  1. T. H. Mague
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  2. N. M. Weare
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  3. O. Holm-Hansen
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Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami

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Mague, T.H., Weare, N.M. & Holm-Hansen, O. Nitrogen fixation in the North Pacific Ocean. Marine Biology 24, 109–119 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389344

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