Iron-mediated effects on nitrate reductase in marine phytoplankton

The potential activity of nitrate reductase was determined in uni-algal cultures in the laboratory and in natural marine phytoplankton assemblages. In the laboratory bioassays, distinct differences in nitrate reductase activity were observed in iron replete versus depleted cultures for Emiliania huxleyi, Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis sp. Cells from iron-depleted cultures had 15 to 50 percent lower enzyme activity than those from iron-replete cultures. Upon addition of iron, nitrate reductase activity was enhanced in depleted cells up to levels comparable to those of the replete cells. Bioassays in the northern North Sea conducted in 1993, under low iron conditions, demonstrated similar results. Upon addition of 2.5 nM iron, a distinct enhancement, to a maximum of three times, of nitrate reductase activity was observed within 32 h after addition. Therefore, iron can stimulate nitrate reductase activity. In spite of the clean techniques used, some nitrate reductase activity was always observed. Iron deficiency was shown to impair nitrate reductase activity, but it is unlikely that nitrate reduction would cease completely.