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Does microbial stoichiometry modulate eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems?

A K Steenbergh1, P L E Bodelier, M Heldal

  • 1Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands. a.steenbergh@nioo.knaw.nl

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Microbial stoichiometry in Baltic Sea sediments reveals high carbon to phosphorus (C:P) ratios in prokaryotes. This finding explains enhanced phosphorus remineralization in low-oxygen marine environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Marine Ecology

Background:

  • Prokaryotic (Bacteria and Archaea) elemental composition influences nutrient cycling during organic matter decomposition.
  • Benthic phosphorus fluxes are critical in marine ecosystems, particularly under varying oxygen conditions.
  • Existing knowledge gaps regarding microbial stoichiometry in marine sediments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally determine the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios of individual prokaryotes in marine sediments.
  • To investigate the relationship between microbial stoichiometry and benthic nutrient fluxes.
  • To understand the role of microbial C:N:P ratios in phosphorus remineralization under different oxygen levels.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and incubation of C-limited Baltic Sea sediments under oxic and anoxic conditions.
  • Utilized X-ray microanalysis for precise determination of C:N:P ratios in individual prokaryotic cells.
  • Comparison of measured microbial C:N:P ratios with the Redfield ratio for marine organic matter.

Main Results:

  • Prokaryotic C:P ratios were significantly higher (approx. 400:1) than the Redfield ratio (106:1) in both oxic and anoxic incubations.
  • Prokaryotic C:N ratios (approx. 6.4:1) were found to be close to the Redfield ratio.
  • These microbial elemental ratios were consistent across both tested oxygen conditions.

Conclusions:

  • High microbial C:P ratios in prokaryotes are a key factor controlling benthic nutrient cycling.
  • Elevated microbial C:P ratios contribute to the observed enhanced remineralization of phosphorus relative to carbon and nitrogen.
  • This stoichiometric imbalance provides a mechanistic explanation for high phosphorus release in low-oxygen marine environments.