Abstract:

Microbial degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in estuarine systems is important to geochemical processes and microbial community function. This dataset includes the results of a laboratory experiment in which batch microcosms of sediments and seawater were enriched with DOM leachate made with marsh grass, Spartina alterniflora. DOM biodegradation was evaluated over a one-month period using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Suggested Citation:

Engel, Annette; Beeler, Scott. 2016. Fluorescence data supporting experimental study of marsh sediment microbial community degradation of S. alterniflora-derived dissolved organic matter. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7ZW1HVV

Purpose:

These data support understanding of labile organic carbon turnover by microbial communities in Louisiana marshes that accumulate and store large quantities of organic carbon in soils.

Data Parameters and Units:

EEM fluorescence spectra represent excitation and emission wavelengths in nm. File names: (Treatment [A: No leachate added live, B: leachate added live, E: No leachate added dead, F: leachate added dead] + Sediment Location [PS3a, PS6] + Sediment type [E: Edge, I: Inland], Core Depth [0:0-1cm, 9:9-10cm], Replicate [a: Replicate 1, b: Replicate 2] + Time Point [1: 6 hours, 2: 12 hours, 3: 24 hours, 4: 11 days, 5: 28 days]; Fl: fluorescence index, HIX: humidification index, Frl: fluorescence spectra excitation and emission wavelengths (nm), SI75: Synch-75 index, UV absorbance at 254 nm, Maxl: maximum intensity (RFU relative intensity), MaxEm: maximum emission excitation matrix (nm)

Instruments:

Absorbance measurements were made on a Thermo Scientific Evolution 220 UV-Visible spectophotometer, and fluorescence measurements were made on a Horiba Fluoromax-4.

Individual Files: