|
|||||
|
|
Denitrification in bottom sediment near oil production facilities off the Louisiana Gulf Coast |
|
| Authors: | R D Delaune A Jugsujinda I Devai A X Hou |
| Institution: | 1. Wetland Biogeochemistry Institute, School of the Coast and Environment , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA rdelaune@aol.com;3. Wetland Biogeochemistry Institute, School of the Coast and Environment , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA;4. Department of Environmental Studies, School of the Coast and Environment , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA |
| Abstract: | There is little information on denitrification in Gulf of Mexico bottom sediment. Potential denitrification rates in surface sediment were measured along transects legs extending 0–800 m from two offshore oil production platforms. The average potential denitrification ranged from approximately 50 mg N m?2 d?1 in surface sediment near the platforms to 15 mg N m?2 d?1 in sediment 800 m from the platforms. Measured denitrification rates were correlated to a higher organic matter content in sediment nearer the platforms. This research examined only a small component of nitrogen processing in Gulf of Mexico sediment. Additional research should examine the effect of nitrogen loading and temporal and spatial variability on denitrification rate. |
| Keywords: | Denitrification Coastal Sediment Gulf of Mexico Oil platforms |