Chlorophyll Diagenesis in the Water Column and Sediments of the Black Sea

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Abstract:

This thesis examines the degradation pathways of chlorophyll in the Black Sea water column and sediments. Measurements are made of total chlorophyll in sediment traps from two locations and depths in the water column, and at two locations in surface sediments. Individual chlorophyll degradation products are also identified. This data is used to construct a mass balance of chlorophyll production and sedimentation showing the major pathways for chlorophyll loss and the ultimate sedimentary sinks. The distribution of chlorophyll degradation products is also analyzed down core and related to environmental changes in the Black Sea. Several new sinks for chlorophyll degradation products are identified. Steryl esters of pyropheophorbide-a are identified in sediment trap and sediment samples. It is thought that these compounds are formed during grazing. In sediment traps it is found that the distribution of the sterols esterified to pyropheophorbide-a change with season and that the sterols esterified are related to the distribution of sterols synthesized by the phytoplankton living in the photic zone at the time of production. Analysis of pyropheophorbide-a steryl esters in sediments shows the distribution of sterols to be quantitatively and qualitativelv more similar to the distribution of free sterols in sediment traps than in sediments. The esterification of the sterols to pyropheophorbide-a apparently prevents the preferential removal of 4- desmethylsterols relative to 4-methylsterols during degradation of the sterol esters.

Author(s):
King, Linda L.
Author Organization(s):
WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION MA
Descriptive Note:
Doctoral thesis
Pagination:
0313

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.3.3_Spectrum Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.3.1_Optimized Network Functions and Resources; JCA_6.3_Net Management; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_4.4.1_Food Service; JCA_4.4_Logistics Services; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_4.5.4_Requirements Definition; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3; 5G
Communities of Interest:
Advanced Electronics
Descriptor(s):
*CHLOROPHYLLS, *BLACK SEA, *CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, MEASUREMENT, REMOVAL, CORES, PRODUCTION, DEGRADATION, DISTRIBUTION, WATER, MASS, SYNTHESIS(CHEMISTRY), THESES, REGIONS, SURFACES, CHEMICAL REACTIONS, OCEANS, ESTERS, SEA WATER, OCEAN ENVIRONMENTS, SEDIMENTS, SEDIMENTATION, PHYTOPLANKTON, SEASONS, NEW ENGLAND, GRAZING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Biological Oceanography, Physical and Dynamic Oceanography
Keyword(s):
PYROPHEOPHERILBIDE ALPHA
Report Date:
1993 Feb 01