Autochthonous carbon loading of macroalgae stimulates benthic biological nitrogen fixation rates in shallow coastal marine sediments.

ABSTRACT: Macroalgae, commonly known as seaweed, are foundational species in coastal ecosystems and contribute significantly to coastal primary production globally. However, the impact of macroalgal decomposition on benthic biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) after deposition to the seafloor remains largely unexplored. In this study, we measure BNF rates at three different sites at the Big Fisherman's Cove on Santa Catalina Island, CA, USA, which is representative of globally distributed rocky bottom macroalgal habitats. Unamended BNF rates varied among sites (0.001-0.05 nmol N g^-1 h ^-1) and were generally within the lower end of previously reported ranges. We hypothesized that the differences in BNF between sites were linked to the availability of organic matter. Indeed, additi

SUBMITTER: Raut Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10796445 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature