Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics driving decomposition of the same leaf litter SUMMARY: This study looked at the rate of decay between litter in lab conditions and natural conditions. They used fallen leaves from dogwood trees, oak trees, maple trees, and maple-oak tree mix. Results showed quite a difference in… Continue reading Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics
Tag: carbon cycle
Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function
Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function SUMMARY: There are two types of microbes that are involved in methane cycling: ones that produce methane (methanogens) and ones that use methane as a source of energy and convert it to carbon dioxide (methanotrophs). This article review looked at all the different… Continue reading Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function
Moss-Cyanobacteria relationship in the boreal forest
Moss-cyanobacteria associations as biogenic sources of nitrogen in boreal forest ecosystems SUMMARY: Moss, cyanobacteria, and the trees of the boreal forest share a complicated relationship. This article first focuses on the nitrogen cycle, addressing the various sources of nitrogen and the factors (both abiotic and biotic) that affect nitrogen fixation. Turns out, temperature, water availability,… Continue reading Moss-Cyanobacteria relationship in the boreal forest
Frequency of Microplastics in Mesopelagic Fishes from the Northwest Atlantic
Frequency of Microplastics in Mesopelagic Fishes from the Northwest Atlantic SUMMARY: In this experiment, the researchers sampled dead mesopelagic fish from the Northwest Atlantic Mid-Ocean area (between Ireland and Newfoundland). The water and the fish guts were strained for microplastics. Researchers found that 73% of the fish had microplastics in their stomach. Most of the… Continue reading Frequency of Microplastics in Mesopelagic Fishes from the Northwest Atlantic