Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C001923/1
The role of the bacterioneuston in air-sea gas exchange
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor JC Murrell, University of Warwick, Biological Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor R Upstill-Goddard, Newcastle University, Sch of Natural & Environmental Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor H Schaefer, University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Warwick, Biological Sciences
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- The sea-surface microlayer forms an important boundary for the air-sea exchange of trace gases, and its unique biological, chemical and physical properties may have a considerable impact on their global biogeochemical cycles. In comparison with the physics of the sea surface however, information regarding sea surface microbiology and how this influences the air-sea exchange of trace gases remains rather sparse. We have obtained preliminary data that reveal potentially significant effects (see below), hence studies addressing these issues in more detail would fit firmly within the fundamental aims of the NERC SOLAS Programme. The sea surface microlayer (the bacterioneuston) is a region only tens of microns thick but importantly it has microbial populations that are distinct from those in sub-surface waters. The role of the bacterioneuston in processes at the air-water interface has been largely ignored. This has been due to the difficulties in sampling this environment and in determining the community structure of the bacterioneuston using conventional microbiological techniques. Marine bacteria could metabolise the various organic compounds that seem to be concentrated in the sea surface microlayer, but could also metabolise trace gases such as CH4, N2O, methyl bromide, DMS, and organic sulfur compounds such as methanesulfonic acid (MSA), a component of 'atmospheric fallout'. As the air-water interface is the site of ocean-atmosphere exchange, the bacterioneuston may in theory exert a considerable effect on fluxes of these compounds. Microbial metabolism of climatically active trace gases such as CH4, N2O, CO2, CO, dimethylsulfide (DMS) and methyl halides in and below the surface microlayer may exert very important controls on air-sea gas exchange. Determining the diversity, abundance and activity of the major groups of microorganisms in the bacterioneuston and their involvement in trace gas cycling is therefore central to the NERC SOLAS programme.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Nov 2005 - 31 Oct 2008
- Value:
- £194,309 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C001923/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- SOLAS
This grant award has a total value of £194,309
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £102,817 | £3,124 | £41,072 | £47,295 |
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