Oceanologia (Dec 2002)
Adenosine triphosphate in the marine boundary layer in the southern Baltic Sea
Abstract
Changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration weremeasured in the offshore and coastal waters of the Gdansk Basinin spring. As regards the vertical distribution, it was found that highATP concentrations occurred mainly in the euphotic layer (abovethe thermocline) and near the bottom (below the halocline).The high concentrations of ATP in the euphotic layer resultedfrom primary and secondary production, while the other maximum wasdue to the presence of bacteria actively degrading organic matter.Changes in ATP concentration in the euphotic layerwere closely correlated with the phase of the day. An increase inATP concentrations in the surface microlayer was observed inthe evening and at night, probably as a result of heterotroph proliferation.During daylight, ATP production was inhibited by increasing radiation,hence its concentrations in the sea surface microlayer were considerably lower.Strong winds exerted a significant influence on ATP concentrations in thesurface microlayer and in the subsurface water. Windstress depressed ATPconcentrations. The biomass of living microorganismsin the microlayer was comparable with the microbiomass beneath the halocline.
