Oceanic distribution of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria determined by immunofluorescent assay

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · J. Mar. Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6966478

Ward, B B

Marine ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in seawater were enumerated by means of immunofluorescent assays developed for Nitrosococcus oceanus and Nitrosomonas marina. Samples were collected from the coastal waters off the states of Washington and California, from the central North Atlantic and northeast Pacific Oceans, and from Chesapeake Bay. Total abundances of ammonium oxidizers ranged from 10/sup 7/ cells 1/sup -1/ in Chesapeake Bay and 10/sup 5/ cells 1/sup -1/ in inshore ocean waters to 10/sup 3/ to 10/sup 4/ cells 1/sup -1/ in the open ocean. Using mean abundances from surface waters, a potential nitrification rate was calculated. Results imply that microbial nitrification rates in the water column can be substantial and may be sufficient to balance the annual new production demand for nitrate.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Washington, Seattle
• DOE Contract Number: AT06-76EV75026
• OSTI ID: 6966478
• Journal Information: J. Mar. Res.; (United States), Vol. 40:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BACTERIA
NITRIFICATION
POPULATION DENSITY
BIOASSAY
CALIFORNIA
CHESAPEAKE BAY
COASTAL WATERS
FEDERAL REGION I
FLUORESCENCE
IMMUNE REACTIONS
PACIFIC OCEAN
SEAWATER
WASHINGTON
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BAYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
FEDERAL REGION IX
FEDERAL REGION X
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LUMINESCENCE
MICROORGANISMS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WATER
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)