Organic matter composition in coastal sediments at Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) during summer 1995

Meiofaunal community structure in coastal sediments of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) was related to quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter. The sediments were generally characterized by large amounts of chloropigments and labile compounds (dominated by proteins), indicating high inputs of primary organic matter. Meiofaunal densities were very high and comparable to those from the most productive areas worldwide. Sediments with high densities of the scallop had low meiofaunal densities especially in the top 2 cm, suggesting that scallop clapping contributed to meiofauna resuspension. However, it is not possible to exclude the probability that meiofauna are part of the scallop beds apparently have an important role in structuring meiofaunal communities with nematodes dominant where Adamussium colbecki is absent, and gastrotrichs dominant (44–51%) in A. colbecki beds, reaching the highest density reported so far.

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Particulate organic matter release below melting sea ice (Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica): Possible relationships with zooplankton

Journal of Marine Systems ◽

10.1016/j.jmarsys.2021.103510 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 103510

Author(s):

Alessandro Cau ◽

Claudia Ennas ◽

Davide Moccia ◽

Olga Mangoni ◽

Francesco Bolinesi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Sea Ice ◽

Particulate Organic Matter ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Terra Nova

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Total and hydrolizable particulate organic matter (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) at a coastal station in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

Polar Biology ◽

10.1007/s003000050223 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 125-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Mauro Fabiano ◽

Antonio Pusceddu

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Particulate Organic Matter ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Coastal Station ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Terra Nova

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Regulation of Microbial Activity Rates by Organic Matter in the Ross Sea during the Austral Summer 2017

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8091273 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 1273

Author(s):

Renata Zaccone ◽

Cristina Misic ◽

Filippo Azzaro ◽

Maurizio Azzaro ◽

Giovanna Maimone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Austral Summer ◽

Trophic Levels ◽

Offshore Area ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Prokaryotic Abundance ◽

Microbiological Parameters ◽

Terra Nova ◽

The Antarctic

The active prokaryotic communities proliferate in the ecosystems of the Antarctic Ocean, participating in biogeochemical cycles and supporting higher trophic levels. They are regulated by several environmental and ecological forcing, such as the characteristics of the water masses subjected to global warming and particulate organic matter (POM). During summer 2017, two polynyas in the Ross Sea were studied to evaluate key-microbiological parameters (the proteasic, glucosidasic, and phosphatasic activities, the microbial respiratory rates, the prokaryotic abundance and biomass) in relation to quantitative and qualitative characteristics of POM. Results showed significant differences in the epipelagic layer between two macro-areas (Terra Nova Bay and Ross Sea offshore area). Proteins and carbohydrates were metabolized rapidly in the offshore area (as shown by turnover times), due to high enzymatic activities in this zone, indicating fresh and labile organic compounds. The lower quality of POM in Terra Nova Bay, as shown by the higher refractory fraction, led to an increase in the turnover times of proteins and carbohydrates. Salinity was the physical constraint that played a major role in the distribution of POM and microbial activities in both areas.

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The vertical flux of particulate matter in the polynya of Terra Nova Bay. Part II. Biological components

Antarctic Science ◽

10.1017/s0954102003001214 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 175-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

A. ACCORNERO ◽

C. MANNO ◽

F. ESPOSITO ◽

M.C. GAMBI

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Particulate Matter ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Total Mass ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Late Summer ◽

Faecal Pellets ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Biogenic Carbon ◽

Terra Nova

Downward fluxes of particulate matter were investigated in the polynya of Terra Nova Bay (western Ross Sea) from February 1995 to December 1997. The main biological components were siliceous phytoplankton (diatoms, silicoflagellates and parmales), abundant faecal pellets of several types and zooplankton (mainly shelled pteropods). Vertical fluxes of particles occurred mainly through diatoms and faecal pellets in the first and second part of the summer, respectively. The highest fluxes were recurrently observed in late summer, when faeces contributed up to 100% of organic carbon. Unusually high fluxes were recorded in winter 1995, when faecal pellets accounted for 84.6% of the organic carbon. Peak fluxes were always driven by the sinking of faecal pellets, that hence appear to be the most efficient vector of export in the polynya of Terra Nova Bay. A major flux component was the pteropod Limacina helicina, which repeatedly sank in high amounts after the growing season. In April–June, L. helicina probably transported biogenic carbon to deep layers as a passive sinker. The inclusion of pteropods in flux estimates resulted in values that were up to 20 (for total mass), 25 (for organic matter) and 48 (for carbonate) times higher than the previously measured fluxes. Fluxes are known to be biased by swimmers, but ultimately attention must be paid to a possible erroneous categorization of some zooplankton as swimmers to avoid severe underestimation of fluxes of total mass (up to 95% in our study), organic matter (up to 96%) and carbonate (up to 100%).

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Particulate organic matter composition in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) during summer 1990

Antarctic Science ◽

10.1017/s095410209600003x ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 7-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

M. Fabiano ◽

P. Povero ◽

R. Danovaro

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Mixed Layer ◽

Particulate Organic Matter ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Research Programme ◽

Dna And Rna ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Pack Ice ◽

Antarctic Research ◽

Terra Nova

Particulate organic matter was collected in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay during the Oceanographic Campaign of the Italian Antarctic Research Programme in summer (January–February) 1990. Particulate matter composition was analysed for organic carbon and nitrogen, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and ATP. A vertical stratification was evident in the study area, and resulted from prior melting of the pack ice. Suspended organic matter in the mixed layer and below the mixed layer differed in quantitative and qualitative composition. Except for ATP, all the biochemical components showed higher concentrations in the mixed layer than in the deeper waters. The particulate organic matter in Terra Nova Bay was mostly detrital and of algal origin.

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Short-term variations in particulate matter flux in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea

Antarctic Science ◽

10.1017/s0954102097000187 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 143-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Mauro Fabiano ◽

Mariachiara Chiantore ◽

Paolo Povero ◽

Riccardo Cattaneo-Vietti ◽

Antonio Pusceddu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Water Column ◽

Sediment Trap ◽

Biochemical Composition ◽

Ross Sea ◽

Early Summer ◽

Biological Processes ◽

Terra Nova Bay ◽

Terra Nova ◽

Matter Flux

As part of the Ross Sea Marginal Ice Zone Ecology Project (ROSSMIZE) the summer organic matter flux through the water column was measured at 40 m depth in Terra Nova Bay. Water samples and material from a sediment trap on the sea-bottom were analysed for their biochemical composition. A close coupling between biochemical composition of the organic matter in the water column and the material collected in the sediment trap was found, resulting from complex interactions between physical and biological processes. The physical processes are related to break-up and melting of the ice cover and occur mainly in the early summer season, whilst biological processes play a key role in mid summer and, from the evidence from faecal pellets, are related to the primary production and consumption processes.

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