9521254 Gilbert This project will study the composition, biological availability, and rates of uptake and release of dissolved organic nitrogen in two highly contrasting estuarine systems- the Chesapeake Bay and Georgia coastal rivers. These systems are vastly different with respect to the type, source and relative liability of dissolved organic nitrogen. Because the Principal Investigators will conduct their studies in conjunction with the two currently funded Land Margin Ecosystem Research studies at the these sites, the results will greatly enhance the understanding of these important coastal aquatic environments. The significance of the proposed research is several fold. First, in the broadcast, sense the eutrophication of nation's coastal waters and estuaries is a well recognized problem, yet we have little knowledge of the contribution and importance of organic nitrogen to this problem. Second, with the advent of new techniques, these studies will yield and appreciation of the mechanisms by which both bacteria and phytoplankton obtain their nitrogenous nitrogen will aid our ability to balance and control the flow of nitrogen through estuarine and coastal systems.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9521254
Program Officer
Phillip R. Taylor
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1995-09-01
Budget End
1998-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
$182,181
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Cambridge
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21613