Title

Control of Denitrification in a Permanently Ice Covered Antarctic Lake: Potential for Regulation By Bioactive Metals

Investigators

Mark Wells, Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow

Additional Participants

Post-doc

Maria Maldonado

Other Collaborators or Contacts

Bess Ward

Project Period

January 2000-September 2002

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0096146

Submission Date

2-20-2003

Abstract

Lake Bonney is a permanently ice-covered lake in the Dry ValleyÆs region of Antarctica separated into two deep lobes by a shallow (12 m) sill. Denitrification occurs in the sub-oxic, saline waters of the west lobe but not in that of the east lobe for reasons unknown. Previous work has established this disparity cannot be attributed to temperature or salinity limitations, nor by the comparative availability of organic carbon substrates. Our research objective is to determine if trace metal limitation or toxicity may be responsible for this unusual feature. The broader objective is to assess the likelihood that denitrification in the oceans may have been at times similarly affected, thereby complicating the use of nitrogen isotope data in paleoproductivity reconstructions.

Rights and Access Note

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Recommended Citation

Wells, Mark, "Control of Denitrification in a Permanently Ice Covered Antarctic Lake: Potential for Regulation By Bioactive Metals" (2003). University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports. 93.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/orsp_reports/93