The microbial nitrogen cycling potential is impacted by polyaromatic hydrocarbon pollution of marine sediments.

ABSTRACT: During hydrocarbon exposure, the composition and functional dynamics of marine microbial communities are altered, favoring bacteria that can utilize this rich carbon source. Initial exposure of high levels of hydrocarbons in aerobic surface sediments can enrich growth of heterotrophic microorganisms having hydrocarbon degradation capacity. As a result, there can be a localized reduction in oxygen potential within the surface layer of marine sediments causing anaerobic zones. We hypothesized that increasing exposure to elevated hydrocarbon concentrations would positively correlate with an increase in denitrification processes and the net accumulation of dinitrogen. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the relative abundance of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism and nitrogen cyclin

SUBMITTER: Scott NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3971162 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature