GCMD

Summary

Abstract: The total biomass, productivity and biodiversity of algae and bacteria from the sea ice and the water column was investigated in Granite Harbour. Sampling sites in the Granite Harbour area were used to survey the sea ice for algae and bacteria by drilling cores and using bottom ice, brine and using the entire ice core to look at biomass in profile. Initial chlorophyll concentrations were determined on all samples and additional sub samples were collected for analysis of bacterial and algal cell counts, carbon concentrations, DNA content, MAA composition, species biodiversity and cell numbers. Sea water under the ice was sampled at 5, 25 and 50m depths and similar analysis were performed. CTD (conductivity, temperature and chlorophyll concentration) profiles were taken in the water column every day at solar noon. A brine survey was also conducted. The sampling sites were ~100m, ~200m & ~300m from a freshwater source (glacial ice near the camp site). Holes of depth 60cm, 80cm & 120cm were drilled using the SIPRE corer and the core was removed from the hole, prior to covering with a black plastic. Samples were analysed for salinity and kept for biomass measurements. Each sea ice and seawater sample will be screened for the following: (i) bacterial diversity, (ii) cyanobacterial sequences (iii) proteorhodopsin-containing sequences (iv) carbon content, (v) mycosporine-like amino acids (vi) chlorophyll a, (vii) viral community composition, (viii) nutrient concentration i.e. ammonium and phosphates, and (ix) methylumbelliferyl enzymatic activity.

Geographic Coverage

N: -77.015

S: -77.015

E: 162.89

W: 162.89

Min Depth: 0

Max Depth: 3.2

Quality

Samples are all held at Victoria University of Wellington. Please contact the investigator for more information.

Personnel

KEN RYAN
Role: INVESTIGATOR
Phone: +64 4 463 6083
Fax: +64 4 463 5331
Email: ken.ryan at vuw.ac.nz
Contact Address:
Victoria University of Wellington
School of Biological Sciences
PO BOX 600
City: Wellington
Postal Code: 6140
Country: New Zealand

CEISHA POIROT
Role: DIF AUTHOR
Phone: +64 3 358 0200
Fax: +64 3 358 0211
Email: c.poirot at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745
City: Christchurch
Country: New Zealand

SHULAMIT GORDON
Role: DIF AUTHOR
Phone: +64 3 358 0200
Fax: +64 3 358 0211
Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745
City: Christchurch
Country: New Zealand

Publications/References

Koh YE, Cowie ROM, Atamna-Ismaeel, N, Martin AR, Beja O, O’Toole R, Davy SK, & Ryan KG (2010) Light harvesting bacteria in Antarctic sea ice. Submitted, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.

Cowie R, Maas E, Ryan KG (2010) Archaeal diversity in Antarctic sea ice. Submitted ISME Journal.

Martin A, Hall JA, Ryan KG (2009) Low salinity and high UV-B radiation reduces single-cell activity in Antarctic sea ice bacteria. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 75, 7570 – 7573.

Martin, A.(2009) Bacterial metabolic activity in Antarctic sea ice. PhD thesis conferred Dec 2009, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Koh, E. Biodiversity of prokaryotes in Antarctic sea ice. PhD thesis in progress, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Cowie, R DNA fingerprints in Antarctic sea ice. PhD in progress, VUW.

Cowie R.O.M., Maas EW, and Ryan KG (2009). Sea ice microbial communities – an early indicator for climate change? Symposium on Aquatic Microbial Ecology (SAME11), Piran, Slovenia. Oral presentation

Koh EY, Atamna-Ismaeel N, Cowie ROM, Martin AR, Beja O, Davy SK, Donachie S, O’Toole R, Ryan KG (2009) Proteorhodopsin- bearing bacteria in Antarctic sea ice. Xth SCAR International Biology Symposium. 26 - 31 July, Sapporo Japan July 2009

Koh EY, Atamna-Ismaeel N, Cowie ROM, Martin AR, Beja O, Davy SK, Donachie S, O’Toole R, Ryan KG (2009) Phototrophic Bacteria in Antarctic Sea Ice. Antarctic NZ conference July 2009

Cowie ROM, Martin A, Koh E, Donachie S, Williams G, Maas E, and Ryan KG (2009) Archaeal Diversity in Antarctic Sea Ice. Antarctic NZ conference, Auckland. July 2009

Bryant, L., Davy, S., Lörz, A-N., Maas, E., Zuccarello, J., Ryan, KG. 2009. Preliminary phylogeny of Antarctic Hyperiidean amphipods. Antarctica New Zealand. Annual Antarctic Conference, 1-3 July, Auckland, New Zealand

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2009-06-19
Last DIF Revision Date: 2010-09-20