Hydrodynamic regimes modulate nitrogen fixation and the mode of diazotrophy in Lake Tanganyika.

ABSTRACT: The factors that govern the geographical distribution of nitrogen fixation are fundamental to providing accurate nitrogen budgets in aquatic environments. Model-based insights have demonstrated that regional hydrodynamics strongly impact nitrogen fixation. However, the mechanisms establishing this physical-biological coupling have yet to be constrained in field surveys. Here, we examine the distribution of nitrogen fixation in Lake Tanganyika - a model system with well-defined hydrodynamic regimes. We report that nitrogen fixation is five times higher under stratified than under upwelling conditions. Under stratified conditions, the limited resupply of inorganic nitrogen to surface waters, combined with greater light penetration, promotes the activity of bloom-forming photoautotrophic diaz

SUBMITTER: Ehrenfels B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10584864 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature