Ref ID : 1329
C. Ferrier-Pages and F. Rassoulzadegan; N remineralization in planktonic protozoa. Limnol.Oceanogr. 39(2):411-419, 1994
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Ammonium excretion rates of two marine planktonic protozoa (an oligotrichous ciliate, Strombidium sulcatum, and an aplastidic flagellate Pseudobodo sp.) both isolated from oligotrophic Mediterranean waters were quantified with heat-killed bacteria as the food source for the protozoans. Ammonium excretion rates ranged from 0.25 to 2 µgN/mg DW.hr for the ciliate and from 2.8 to 8.5 for phagotrophic flagellate. Maximum excretion rates with either protozoan body size or their growth rates of metabolic state. Comparison of these excretion and regeneration rates with those obtained in situ for oligotrophic waters (~0-37 nmol/liter.hr) indicates that protozoa may account for >50% of the nutrient recycling in these waters.