Deep-chlorophyll maximum time series in the Augusta Gulf (Ionian Sea): Microbial community structures and functions

Abstract

An integrated study was carried out to follow the temporal evolution of microbiological parameters during a 48 h period, in relation to the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) at a coastal station. The micro-organisms showed an active role in the environment and a different distribution, without a clear diel cycle. The phytoplankton community, responsible for the DCM, consisted mainly of diatoms. Their distribution in relation to pycnocline showed an opposite trend with respect to picophytoplankton. Total bacterioplankton contributed to enzymatic degradation of particulated organic carbon (by producing β-glucosidase and aminopeptidase), with peaks related to changes in the main water current. We estimated that about 25% of particulate organic carbon per day may be hydrolysed by bacteria. The living bacterioplankton represented 20% of the total. The picophytoplankton fraction contributed significantly to the high values of alkaline phosphatase, suggesting a fast P regeneration. Respiration showed significant correlations with the physical and chemical parameters as well as with the different planktonic fractions.

Keywords:

• Bacteria
• Phytoplankton
• Microzooplankton
• Enzymatic activities
• Particulated matter
• Respiration

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Prof. T. S. Hopkins for his suggestions during the course of research. We are also grateful to Mr Alessandro Cosenza and Francesco Soraci for technical support.