Structure and function of high Arctic pelagic, particle-associated and benthic bacterial communities ...

• Main Authors: Balmonte, J.P., Arnosti, C., Teske, A.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2018
• Subjects: Arctic; Arctic Ocean
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17615/rm9j-gk30; https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/concern/articles/b8515z46t

Arctic marine microbes are affected by environmental changes that may ultimately influence their functions in carbon cycling. Here, we investigated in concert the structure and enzymatic activities of pelagic, particle-associated and benthic bacterial communities in the central Arctic Ocean, and used these data to evaluate microbial structure–function relationships. Our findings showed influences of hydrographic conditions and particle association on community composition, and sharp pelagic-benthic contrasts. In addition to community compositional differences, regional and depth-related patterns in enzymatic activities were observed. Peptide hydrolysis rates were highest in surface waters, especially at ice-free and first year ice-covered regions, and decreased with depth. While the range of hydrolysed polysaccharides showed varying geographic patterns, particles often showed a wider spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolase activities. Summed benthic peptidase rates differed across stations but showed similar ...