Dissolved organic matter and microbial food web interactions in the marine environment: the case of the Adriatic Sea
by Alberto Puddu, Annamaria Zoppini, Maurizio Pettine
International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP), Vol. 13, No. 1/2/3/4/5/6, 2000

Abstract: The sources, characteristics and fate of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in marine ecosystems are reviewed, with particular emphasis on processes relevant to the northern Adriatic Sea. This semi-enclosed basin receives large riverine discharges that strongly affect its trophic dynamics. The high organic load, which results from both autochtonous and allochtonous sources, is responsible for anoxia and massive aggregate formation. The general characteristics of the microbial food web and its role in the cycling of carbon are critically evaluated. Factors affecting DOM uptake by bacteria, including DOM diagenesis and molecular size, nutrient availability, the effect of temperature and the abiotic alterations of DOM, are discussed. Possible causes for DOM seasonality are suggested. A restricted bacterial uptake due to scarce inorganic phosphorus availability, along with strong allochtonous inputs of refractory compounds and strong water stratification in summer, appear to be the most important factors. Finally, the distribution of organic carbon between dissolved and colloidal components and the role of colloids in the aggregation phenomena in marine systems are briefly outlined, and hypotheses for the formation of macroaggregates in the northern Adriatic are reviewed.

Online publication date: Tue, 15-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com