Brandy Smith, Savanna State University

Class Year:

1999

Mentor:

Jeffrey Cornwell, Ph.D.

Abstract:

Intact sediment cores with different densities (0, 3100, and 18,640 ind.m^-2) of the amphipod Leptocherius plumulosus, were incubated in laboratory microcosms. Denitrification and oxygen concentrations were determined from sediment-water fluxes using a Dissolved Gas Analyzer, an instrument that directly measures N₂ (and O₂ rates). Average rates of coupled nitrification/denitrification in bioturbated cores increased by 50 and 100%, respectively, while O₂ consumption rates increased by 38 and 100%.

Location:

Horn Point Laboratory