Research will be conducted on the geochemistries of the major biochemicals in marine environments. Specific studies will attempt to: (1) Define the sources, concentrations and reactions of acidic sugars in aquatic environments; (2) Determine the comparative geochemistries of the major biochemicals in Dabob Bay, Saanich Inlet and the Black Sea; (3) Describe the microbial degradation of vascular plant tissues; (4) Compare chemical composition of sedimentary versus fresh vascular plant tissues; and (5) Determine the fates of the major biochemicals when zooplankton feed on phytoplankton.
