Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2019-59
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2019-59
13 Mar 2019
 | 13 Mar 2019
Status: this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors.

Transparent exopolymer particle binding of organic and inorganic particles in the Red Sea: Implications for downward transport of biogenic materials

Abdullah H. A. Dehwah, Donald M. Anderson, Sheng Li, Francis L. Mallon, Zenon Batang, Abdullah H. Alshahri, Michael Hegy, and Thomas M. Missimer

Abstract. Binding of particulate and dissolved organic matter in the water column by marine gels allows sinking and cycling of organic matter into deeper water of the Red Sea and other marine water bodies. A series of four offshore profiles were made at which concentrations of bacteria, algae, particulate transparent exopolymer particles (p-TEP), colloidal transparent exopolymer particles (c-TEP), and the fractions of natural organic matter (NOM), including biopolymers, humic substances, low molecular weight neutrals, and low molecular weight acids were measured to depths ranging from 90 to 300 m. It was found that a statistically-significant relationship occurs between the concentrations of p-TEP and bacteria while a minimal, non-significant relationship between p-TEP and algae occurs. This likely reflects the low abundance of larger algal species in the study region. Variation in the biopolymer fraction of NOM in relationship to TEP and bacteria suggests that extracellular discharges of polysaccharides and proteins from the bacteria and algae are occurring without immediate abiotic assembly into p-TEP. In the water column below the photic zone, TOC, bacteria, and biopolymers show a generally common rate of reduction in concentration, but p-TEP decreases at a diminished rate, showing that it persists in moving organic carbon deeper into the water column despite consumption by bacteria.

This preprint has been withdrawn.

Abdullah H. A. Dehwah, Donald M. Anderson, Sheng Li, Francis L. Mallon, Zenon Batang, Abdullah H. Alshahri, Michael Hegy, and Thomas M. Missimer

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Interactive discussion

Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Abdullah H. A. Dehwah, Donald M. Anderson, Sheng Li, Francis L. Mallon, Zenon Batang, Abdullah H. Alshahri, Michael Hegy, and Thomas M. Missimer
Abdullah H. A. Dehwah, Donald M. Anderson, Sheng Li, Francis L. Mallon, Zenon Batang, Abdullah H. Alshahri, Michael Hegy, and Thomas M. Missimer

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Latest update: 18 Mar 2024
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This preprint has been withdrawn.

Short summary
Marine gels are an important component of the biochemical composition of seawater. Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are gels composed of acidic polysaccharides and other organic compounds that bind with suspended sediments and allow them to travel from the surface to the bottom of the sea. TEP becomes a food supply for the deep ocean and allows bacteria to grow and ultimately become food for growth of higher life forms.
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