Light-driven integration of diazotroph-derived nitrogen in euphotic nitrogen cycle.

ABSTRACT: The bioavailable nitrogen fixed by diazotrophs is critical for sustaining productivity in the oligotrophic ocean. Despite this, understanding how diazotroph-derived nitrogen integrates into the nitrogen cycle within the euphotic zone remains unknown. Here, we investigated nitrogen fixation rates in the particulate and dissolved fractions within the euphotic zone of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Our findings reveal the proportion of nitrogen fixation rates in the dissolved fraction increases with depth. Light manipulation experiments uncover that reduced light levels can stimulate the net release of diazotroph-derived nitrogen, aligning with our depth-related observations. Furthermore, we identify two distinct transfer pathways vertically associated with light-driven ecological niches

SUBMITTER: Shen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11502797 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature