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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Oyster-Mediated Benthic-Pelagic Coupling Modifies Nitrogen Pools And Processes, Ar Smyth, Nr Geraldi, Mf Piehler
Oyster-Mediated Benthic-Pelagic Coupling Modifies Nitrogen Pools And Processes, Ar Smyth, Nr Geraldi, Mf Piehler
VIMS Articles
Removal of nitrogen through enhanced denitrification has been identified as an ecosystem service provided by oysters. In this study, we assessed the effects of an individual oyster (Crassostrea virginica) on nitrogen dynamics. Fluxes of N-2, O-2, nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and ammonium (NH4+) were measured from continuous-flow microcosms that contained a live oyster, sediment, or a live oyster + sediment. Net N-2 fluxes were indicative of nitrogen fixation in the sediment treatment and denitrification in the oyster and oyster + sediment treatments. Organic matter de position and ammonium production associated with oyster biodeposits and excretion likely decreased N limitation, and …