Interaction of Copper and Cadmium with Microbial Benthos Biofilm and Effects on Oyster Larvae SetMicrobial biofilms can form anywhere in marine environments. These bacterially produced polysaccharide films cover nearly all underwater surfaces. They are a significant part of surface sediments, and have the capacity to sequester various substances in concentrations will above their levels in the surrounding environment. Among these substances are trace metals, which in laboratory experiments have had deleterious impacts on newly set oysters. This project is examining:
Ronald Weiner and Marianne Walch are trying to determine whether there is a link between the concentration of toxics in biofilms and the early mortality of newly set oysters that has been observed in many areas of Chesapeake Bay. |
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Ronald Weiner
Department of Microbiology University of Maryland Marianne Walch Center of Marine Biotechnology University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute |
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