Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
Published on: December 6, 2018
Denitrification in salt marsh sediments: Evidence for seasonal temperature selection among populations of
W A Kaplan1, J M Teal, I Valiela
1Marine Biological Laboratory, Boston University Marine Program, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Direct measurements of bacterial denitrification in salt marsh sediments near Woods Hole, Massachusetts were made over a 10-month period using a simple and precise gas-chromatographic technique. Based on laboratory experiments at 5°, 10°, and 20°C, it is shown that seasonal temperature variations select for at least two distinct populations of denitrifiers.In situ incubations suggest that resident populations of denitrifying bacteria are cold-sensitive. Salt marsh denitrifying bacteria are not optimally adapted to their thermal environment, but to temperatures 5°-10°C higher. In these water-logged muds, rates of bacterial denitrification (0.3-1.5μg N2/gm sediment-hr) are up to three orders of magnitude greater than maximum potential rates of insitu bacterial and algal nitrogen fixation.
More Related Videos
08:05Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
Published on: October 7, 2020
10:11The Benthic Exchange of O2, N2 and Dissolved Nutrients Using Small Core Incubations
Published on: August 3, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Mats
Marine Microbial Ecology
Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Deep Sea Microbial Ecology
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Freshwater Microbial Ecology