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Degradation And Mineralization Of Chitin In An Estuary, Joseph N. Boyer
Degradation And Mineralization Of Chitin In An Estuary, Joseph N. Boyer
Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects
A method for measuring microbial degradation and mineralization of radiolabeled native chitin is described. ('14)C-labeled chitin was synthesized in vivo by injecting shed blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) with N-acetyl-D- ('14)C -glucosamine, allowing for its incorporation into the exoskeleton. The cuticle had a total organic content of 0.48 mg C mg('-1) with a specific radioactivity of 6762 DPM mg('-1). Glucosamine i.e. chitin content, as determined colorimetrically, was 22% (w/w). Rates of chitin degradation and mineralization in estuarine water and sediments were determined as functions of temperature, inoculum source, and oxygen condition. Significant differences in rates between temperature treatments were evident. Q(,10) …