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Title: Production and turnover of suspended organic detritus in the coastal water of the southeastern continental shelf. Progress report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6242241

Data processing from the GABEX II study of 1981 have been completed, and manuscripts are nearing completion at this time. In April, 1985, we will participate in the study of removal of coastal water from the continental shelf (SPREX). Our role will be to follow the movement and degradation of particulate organic matter as it is transported across the shelf by wind-driven mixing events. Total suspended C and N will be measured, as well as production of bacteria and numbers of bacteria and protozoa. In preparation from SPREX, we are developing a sensitive method for measuring microbial respiration in the water. Beginning in the summer of 1985, we will participate in a series of studies of the biological processes in the coastal water off the coast of Georgia (BIOTRANS). In preparation for that we are developing a system for following production and degradation of particles in a large water sample under laboratory conditions. This will, of course, be supplemented by field observations. To evaluate the suspension of particulate matter of benthic origin we are constructing an annular flume in which box cores of bottom sediment will be inserted to measure the shear stress necessary to resuspend naturally produced materials. We are continuing field and laboratory studies of the roles of bacteria in the production, as well as the utilization of particulate organic materials. The production of macroflocs has been shown by us to involve the adherence of bacteria to particles and to each other. The macroflocs do not develop in sterile conditions.

Research Organization:
Georgia Univ., Athens (USA). Inst. of Ecology
DOE Contract Number:
AS09-76EV00639
OSTI ID:
6242241
Report Number(s):
DOE/EV/00639-26; ON: DE85003977
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English