Direct Detection of Heterotrophic Diazotrophs Associated with Planktonic Aggregates.

ABSTRACT: N₂ fixation by planktonic heterotrophic diazotrophs is more wide spread than previously thought, including environments considered "unfavorable" for diazotrophy. These environments include a substantial fraction of the aquatic biosphere such as eutrophic estuaries with high ambient nitrogen concentrations and oxidized aphotic water. Different studies suggested that heterotrophic diazotrophs associated with aggregates may promote N₂ fixation in such environments. However, this association was never validated directly and relies mainly on indirect relationships and different statistical approaches. Here, we identified, for the first time, a direct link between active heterotrophic diazotrophs and aggregates that comprise polysaccharides. Our new staining method combines

SUBMITTER: Geisler E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6594930 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature