¹³C Fractionation in Emiliania huxleyi: Stirred versus Unstirred Dilute Batch Cultures
Date
2002
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It has been shown that δ13C of phytoplankton (δ13CP) varies with [CO2(aq)] and
rate of algal growth. It is possible that, by using δ13CP from sediments, [CO2(aq)] can be
inferred. However, other factors can complicate the relationship between δ13CP and
[CO2(aq)]. Discrepancies in results acquired by different culturing methods (chemostat
and dilute batch cultures) is an important issue in understanding carbon isotope
fractionation in phytoplankton that must be resolved before paleo-CO2 can be inferred
from sediment cores. In this study, dilute batch cultures of Emiliania huxleyi were grown
to observe possible differences in carbon isotopic fractionation (εP) in stirred and
unstirred conditions. Three sets of experiments were performed and, in each set of
cultures, stirred cultures exhibit greater fractionation than their unstirred counterparts.
We postulate that phytoplankton in stirred cultures have greater εP because the boundary
layer immediately surrounding the cells is constantly agitated and does not become
enriched in 12C over time as carbon dioxide is assimilated into the cell. Stirred cultures
displayed εP values 1.73‰, 6.71‰, and 2.34‰ greater than unstirred cultures of the same
sets (using mean values of εP when applicable). However, this does not completely
account for the magnitude of differences in and trends of fractionation observed in the
chemostat and dilute batch cultures. Factors that may contribute to these discrepancies
are discussed.
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chemistry, chemical oceanography
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32 pages
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