| 1. |
- Ralimanana, H., et al.
(author)
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Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity: Threats and opportunities
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar’s unique biota is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the conservation status of Madagascar’s terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by presenting data and analyses on documented and predicted species-level conservation statuses, the most prevalent and relevant threats, ex situ collections and programs, and the coverage and comprehensiveness of protected areas. The existing terrestrial protected area network in Madagascar covers 10.4% of its land area and includes at least part of the range of the majority of described native species of vertebrates with known distributions (97.1% of freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals combined) and plants (67.7%). The overall figures are higher for threatened species (97.7% of threatened vertebrates and 79.6% of threatened plants occurring within at least one protected area). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and Bayesian neural network analyses for plants identify overexploitation of biological resources and unsustainable agriculture as the most prominent threats to biodiversity. We highlight five opportunities for action at multiple levels to ensure that conservation and ecological restoration objectives, programs, and activities take account of complex underlying and interacting factors and produce tangible benefits for the biodiversity and people of Madagascar.
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| 2. |
- Shimwell, T. W., et al.
(author)
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The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey: V. Second data release
- 2022
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 659
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this data release from the ongoing LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) Two-metre Sky Survey we present 120a 168 MHz images covering 27% of the northern sky. Our coverage is split into two regions centred at approximately 12h45m +44 30a and 1h00m +28 00a and spanning 4178 and 1457 square degrees respectively. The images were derived from 3451 h (7.6 PB) of LOFAR High Band Antenna data which were corrected for the direction-independent instrumental properties as well as direction-dependent ionospheric distortions during extensive, but fully automated, data processing. A catalogue of 4 396 228 radio sources is derived from our total intensity (Stokes I) maps, where the majority of these have never been detected at radio wavelengths before. At 6a resolution, our full bandwidth Stokes I continuum maps with a central frequency of 144 MHz have: a median rms sensitivity of 83 μJy beama 1; a flux density scale accuracy of approximately 10%; an astrometric accuracy of 0.2a; and we estimate the point-source completeness to be 90% at a peak brightness of 0.8 mJy beama 1. By creating three 16 MHz bandwidth images across the band we are able to measure the in-band spectral index of many sources, albeit with an error on the derived spectral index of > a ±a 0.2 which is a consequence of our flux-density scale accuracy and small fractional bandwidth. Our circular polarisation (Stokes V) 20a resolution 120a168 MHz continuum images have a median rms sensitivity of 95 μJy beama 1, and we estimate a Stokes I to Stokes V leakage of 0.056%. Our linear polarisation (Stokes Q and Stokes U) image cubes consist of 480a A a 97.6 kHz wide planes and have a median rms sensitivity per plane of 10.8 mJy beama 1 at 4a and 2.2 mJy beama 1 at 20a; we estimate the Stokes I to Stokes Q/U leakage to be approximately 0.2%. Here we characterise and publicly release our Stokes I, Q, U and V images in addition to the calibrated uv-data to facilitate the thorough scientific exploitation of this unique dataset.
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| 3. |
- Godhe, Anna, 1967, et al.
(author)
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Intercalibration of classical and molecular techniques for identification of Alexandrium fundyense (Dinophyceae) and estimation of cell densities
- 2007
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In: Harmful Algae. - : Elsevier BV. - 1568-9883. ; 6:1, s. 56-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A workshop with the aim to compare classical and molecular techniques for phytoplankton enumeration took place at Kristineberg Marine Research Station, Sweden, in August 2005. Seventeen different techniques - nine classical microscopic-based and eight molecular methods - were compared. Alexandrium fundyense was the target organism in four experiments. Experiment 1 was designed to determine the range of cell densities over which the methods were applicable. Experiment 2 tested the species specificity of the methods by adding Alexandrium ostenfeldii, to samples containing A. fundyense. Experiments 3 and 4 tested the ability of the methods to detect the target organism within a natural phytoplankton community. Most of the methods could detect cells at the lowest concentration tested, 100 cells L-1, but the variance was high for methods using small volumes, such as counting chambers and slides. In general, the precision and reproducibility of the investigated methods increased with increased target cell concentration. Particularly molecular methods were exceptions in that their relative standard deviation did not vary with target cell concentration. Only two of the microscopic methods and three of the molecular methods had a significant linear relationship between their cell count estimates and the A. fundyense concentration in experiment 2, where the objective was to discriminate that species from a morphologically similar and genetically closely related species. None of the investigated methods were affected by the addition of a natural plankton community background matrix in experiment 3. The results of this study are discussed in the context of previous intercomparisons and the difficulties in defining the absolute, true target cell concentration. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 4. |
- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 6. |
- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity : Evolution, distribution, and use
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623, s. 962-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar's biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar's past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique " living laboratory" for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth's biodiversity.
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| 7. |
- Kaur-Kahlon, G., et al.
(author)
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Response of a coastal tropical pelagic microbial community to changed salinity and temperature
- 2016
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In: Aquatic Microbial Ecology. - 0948-3055 .- 1616-1564. ; 77:1, s. 37-50
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studies on the responses of tropical microbial communities to changing hydrographic conditions are presently poorly represented. We present here the results from a mesocosm experiment conducted in southwest (SW) coastal India to investigate how changes in temperature and salinity may affect a coastal tropic microbial community. The onset of algal and bacterial blooms, the maximum production and biomass, and the interrelation between phytoplankton and bacteria were studied in replicated mesocosms. The treatments were set up featuring ambient conditions (28 °C, 35 PSU), hyposalinity (31 PSU), warming (31 °C) and a double manipulated treatment with warming and hyposalinity (31 °C, 31 PSU). The hyposaline treatment had the most considerable influence manifested as significantly lower primary production, and the most dissimilar microphytoplankton species community. The increased temperature acted as a catalyst in the double manipulated treatment and higher primary production was maintained. We investigated the dynamics of the microbial community with a structural equation model approach, and found a significant interrelation between phytoplankton biomass and bacterial abundance. Using this methodology, it became evident that temperature and salinity changes, individually and together, mediate direct and indirect effects that influence different compartments of the microbial loop. In the face of climate change, we suggest that in relatively nutrient replete tropical coastal zones, salinity and temperature changes will affect nutrient assimilation with subsequent significant effects on the quantity of microbial biomass and production.
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| 31. |
- Sanchez-Fernandez, A., et al.
(author)
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Self-assembly and surface behaviour of pure and mixed zwitterionic amphiphiles in a deep eutectic solvent
- 2018
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In: Soft Matter. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1744-683X .- 1744-6848. ; 14:26, s. 5525-5536
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent investigations have shown that deep eutectic solvents provide a suitable environment for self-organisation of biomolecules, in particular phospholipids and proteins. However, the solvation of complex lyophilic moieties by deep eutectic solvents still remains unclear. Here we explore the behaviour of zwitterionic surfactants in choline chloride:glycerol eutectic mixture. Dodecyl-2-(trimethylammonio)ethylphosphate and N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (alkyl = dodecyl, tetradecyl) surfactants were investigated by means of surface tension, X-ray reflectivity and small-angle neutron scattering. These surfactants were found to remain surface active and form globular micelles in deep eutectic solvents. Still, the surface behaviour of these species was found to differ depending on the headgroup and tail structure. The morphology of the micelles also slightly varies between surfactants, demonstrating differences in the packing of individual monomers. The characteristics of mixtures of the dodecyl surfactants is also reported, showing a deviation from ideal mixing associated with attractive interactions between sulfobetaine and phosphocholine headgroups. Such non-ideality results in variation of the surface behaviour and self-assembly of these surfactant mixtures. The results presented here will potentially lead to the development of new alternatives for drug-delivery, protein solubilisation and biosensing through a better fundamental understanding of the behaviour of zwitterionic surfactants in deep eutectic solvents.
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| 32. |
- Andersson, Björn, 1985, et al.
(author)
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Intraspecific variation in metal tolerance modulate competition between two marine diatoms
- 2022
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In: ISME Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1751-7362 .- 1751-7370. ; 16, s. 511-520
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Despite widespread metal pollution of coastal ecosystems, little is known of its effect on marine phytoplankton. We designed a co-cultivation experiment to test if toxic dose–response relationships can be used to predict the competitive outcome of two species under metal stress. Specifically, we took into account intraspecific strain variation and selection. We used 72 h dose–response relationships to model how silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) affect both intraspecific strain selection and competition between taxa in two marine diatoms (Skeletonema marinoi and Thalassiosira baltica). The models were validated against 10-day co-culture experiments, using four strains per species. In the control treatment, we could predict the outcome using strain-specific growth rates, suggesting low levels of competitive interactions between the species. Our models correctly predicted which species would gain a competitive advantage under toxic stress. However, the absolute inhibition levels were confounded by the development of chronic toxic stress, resulting in a higher long-term inhibition by Cd and Cu. We failed to detect species differences in average Cu tolerance, but the model accounting for strain selection accurately predicted a competitive advantage for T. baltica. Our findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating multiple strains when determining traits and when performing microbial competition experiments.
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| 34. |
- Del Campo, D., et al.
(author)
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Calibration of thermocouples from 419,527 °C (freezing point of Zn) up to 1492 °C (melting point of the Pd-C eutectic), by the temperature fixed point and comparison methods
- 2020
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In: Metrologia. - : IOP Publishing Ltd. - 0026-1394 .- 1681-7575. ; 57:1 A, s. 1-121
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This report present the results of the EURAMET inter-comparison carried out to compare the calibration of thermocouples from 419,527 °C (freezing point of Zn) up to 1492 °C (melting point of the Pd-C eutectic). This inter-comparison is intended to be used to support the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the participants in the calibration of thermocouples. The comparison was organized in three loops with nineteen participating laboratories and it allowed the performance of the measurement either in fixed points and/or by comparison. The method used to analyse the results of the comparison was the generalized weighted mean that takes into account the full covariance matrix that includes correlations between the participants which have similar traceability sources and between measurements performed by the same laboratory (i.e. the pilots that performed measurements at the beginning and at the end of each loop and the measurements performed by the same laboratory in fixed points and by comparison at the same calibration point). Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
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| 39. |
- Engel, Emile, et al.
(author)
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Composite Hydrogel Spheroids Based on Cellulose Nanofibrils and Nanofibrous Chiral Coordination Polymer by Green Synthesis
- 2020
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In: Advanced Sustainable Systems. - : Wiley-VCH Verlag. - 2366-7486.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cellulose-based hydrogels are promising sustainable materials for a variety of applications, including tissue engineering, water treatment, and drug delivery. However, the tailoring of diverse properties by efficient green chemistry methods is an ongoing challenge. Here, composite hydrogels of consistent spheroidal structure, incorporating TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils and nanofibrous chiral Cu(II) aspartate coordination polymer, are presented. The hydrogels are prepared by a single-step procedure in aqueous media at ambient temperature and pressure, adhering to the principles of green chemistry. With a view to adapting this method for a variety of alternative coordination polymers (to tailor functional properties), the following critical factors for formation of robust composite hydrogel spheroids are identified: rheological properties of the primary matrix used for spheroidal hydrogel formation and coordination polymer self-assembly rate.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Granéli, Edna, et al.
(author)
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Connection between trace metals, chelators and red tide blooms in the Laholm Bay, SE Kattegat - An experimental approach
- 1986
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In: Marine Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0141-1136 .- 1879-0291. ; 18:1, s. 61-78
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The influence of the trace metals, copper, aluminum and iron, and of the strong complexing agents, EDTA and NTA, on phytoplankton growth in water from a brackish water bay was investigated through bioassay experiments. A diatom (Skeletonema costatum (Grev.) Cleve) and a dinoflagellate (Prorocentrum minimum (Pav.) J. Schiller) were used as test organisms. The growth of both phytoplankton species was strongly inhibited by copper. This inhibition was generally eliminated by EDTA and NTA. Both phytoplankton species were considerably less inhibited by aluminum than by copper at the same total metal concentration. While S. costatum responded to copper and chelator additions in the same way in sea water samples from different seasons, the growth of P. minimum exhibited pronounced seasonal variation. Other parameters than the values of pCu must be considered in order to account for the experimental results. This work supports the theory that alterations in contents of trace metals and natural chelators in sea water are important factors behind shifts in phytoplankton species composition.
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
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| 45. |
- Hall, Stephen C.L., et al.
(author)
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The interaction of styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in Langmuir monolayers, vesicles and nanodiscs; a structural study
- 2022
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In: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9797. ; 625, s. 220-236
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hypothesis: Self-assembly of amphipathic styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in aqueous solution results in the formation of ‘nanodiscs’ containing a planar segment of phospholipid bilayer encapsulated by a polymer belt. Recently, studies have reported that lipids rapidly exchange between both nanodiscs in solution and external sources of lipids. Outstanding questions remain regarding details of polymer-lipid interactions, factors influencing lipid exchange and structural effects of such exchange processes. Here, the dynamic behaviour of nanodiscs is investigated, specifically the role of membrane charge and polymer chemistry. Experiments: Two model systems are investigated: fluorescently labelled phospholipid vesicles, and Langmuir monolayers of phospholipids. Using fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved neutron reflectometry, the membrane potential, monolayer structure and composition are monitored with respect to time upon polymer and nanodisc interactions. Findings: In the presence of external lipids, polymer chains embed throughout lipid membranes, the extent of which is governed by the net membrane charge. Nanodiscs stabilised by three different polymers will all exchange lipids and polymer with monolayers to differing extents, related to the properties of the stabilising polymer belt. These results demonstrate the dynamic nature of nanodiscs which interact with the local environment and are likely to deposit both lipids and polymer at all stages of use.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Kaur-Kahlon, Gurpreet, et al.
(author)
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Response of a coastal tropical pelagic microbial community to changed salinity and temperature
- 2016
-
In: Aquatic Microbial Ecology. - : Inter-Research Science Center. - 0948-3055 .- 1616-1564. ; 77:1, s. 37-50
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studies on the responses of tropical microbial communities to changing hydrographic conditions are poorly represented. We present here the results from a mesocosm experiment conducted in coastal southwestern India to investigate how changes in temperature and salinity may affect a coastal tropical microbial community. The onset of algal and bacterial blooms, maximum production and biomass, and the interrelationship between phytoplankton and bacteria were studied in replicated mesocosms. The treatments were set up to feature ambient conditions (28°C, 35 PSU), hyposalinity (31 PSU), warming (31°C), and a double manipulation treatment with warming and hyposalinity (31°C, 31 PSU). The hyposaline treatment had the most considerable influence, manifested as significantly lower primary production, and the most dissimilar microphytoplankton species community. The increased temperature acted as a catalyst in the double manipulation treatment, and higher primary production was maintained. We investigated the dynamics of the microbial community with a structural equation model and found a significant interrelationship between phytoplankton biomass and bacterial abundance. Using this methodology, it became evident that temperature and salinity changes, individually and together, mediate direct and indirect effects that influence different compartments of the microbial loop. In the face of climate change, we suggest that in relatively nutrient-replete tropical coastal zones, salinity and temperature changes will affect nutrient assimilation, with subsequent significant effects on the quantity of microbial biomass and production.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Kumar, S., et al.
(author)
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Nitrogen uptake potential under different temperature-salinity conditions: Implications for nitrogen cycling under climate change scenarios
- 2018
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In: Marine Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0141-1136 .- 1879-0291. ; 141:October, s. 196-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As projected by climate change models, increase in sea surface temperature and precipitation in the future may alter nutrient cycling in the coastal regions due to potential changes in phytoplankton community structure and their ability to assimilate nitrogen (N) and carbon (C). An experiment simulating different temperature and salinity conditions (28 degrees C-35 ambient conditions, 28 degrees C-31, 31 degrees C-35 and 31 degrees C-31) in mesocosms containing 1000 L of coastal water from the Arabian Sea was performed and N uptake rates were measured using N-15 tracer technique on 2nd, 5th, 7th and 10th day of the experiment. The results show that, under all conditions, the total N (NO3- + NH4+) uptake rates were lower in the beginning and on the final day of the tracer experiment, while it peaked during middle, consistent with chlorophyll a concentrations. Total N uptake rate was significantly lower (p = 0.003) under ambient temperature -lower salinity condition (28 degrees C-31) than the others. This indicates that lowering of salinity in coastal regions due to excessive rainfall in the future may affect the N uptake potential of the phytoplankton, which may change the regional C and N budget.
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| 50. |
- López-alled, Carlos M., et al.
(author)
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Azulene–boronate esters: colorimetric indicators for fluoride in drinking water
- 2017
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In: Chemical Communications. - 1359-7345. ; 53:93, s. 12580-12583
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Low cost andin situfluoride detection by non-experts is importantfor the determination of drinking water safety in developing countries.Colour reagents can provide results quickly without expensiveequipment, but colorimetric fluoride indicators are often non-specific, complex to use or do not work in water. Here we showthat azulene–boronate indicators respond selectively to fluoride atconcentrations relevant to the WHO limit of 1.5 mg L1.
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