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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00354

Regulation of anaerobic ammonium oxidation in estuarine and continental shelf sediments.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor M Trimmer, Queen Mary University of London, Sch of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Science Area:
Marine
Atmospheric
Overall Classification:
Marine
ENRIs:
Pollution and Waste
Global Change
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Environmental Microbiology
Biogeochemical Cycles
Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
Sediment/Sedimentary Processes
Abstract:
Nitrogen is key to life on earth, cycling between the atmosphere, life (animals, plants, microbes) and back to the atmosphere following decomposition. Until recently, oxygen (which links decomposition with the atmosphere) was considered vital to this cycle. The laboratory discovery that the cycle could be completed in the absence of oxygen via anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) redefined this classical view. We have shown that anammox occurs in the environment by measuring its activity in sediments from along the Thames estuary; though our pattern of its distribution is different to that reported for marine sediments. The advent of anammox in the environment changes our perspective of the global nitrogen cycle, yet what regulates its activity or indeed its distribution in aquatic sediments remains unknown. We will use state of the art techniques to trace the movement of nitrogen (isotopes) through this novel process in sediments from the south western approaches to the Irish Sea and several local estuaries, with the aim of elucidating the factors that regulate its activity in these two contrasting environments. The programme, at a cost of #183,016, will employ 2 members of staff for 3 years and addresses several areas of research covered by the Marine Sciences Committee.
Period of Award:
1 Apr 2004 - 31 Mar 2007
Value:
£179,753
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/A/S/2003/00354
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £179,753  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - T&STotal - StaffTotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect CostsTotal - Equipment
£5,498£101,630£11,027£46,750£14,847

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