Articles tagged with Ecological Processes
The new volume of the American Geophysical Union's Antarctic Research Series delves into the complex ecosystems found in Antarctic sea ice. Researchers explore various habitats, including algal biomass, nitrogen metabolism, and numerical ecosystem modeling studies, providing insights into the biodiversity of this unique environment.
A microbiological process developed by Penn State researchers can effectively remove perchlorate, a rocket fuel ingredient detected in 14 states, from contaminated drinking water. The process uses naturally occurring bacteria to reduce perchlorate concentrations below the action level.
New experiments suggest that biodiversity loss can have significant consequences for ecosystem functions, including reduced resilience to extreme events. The type of species present also appears to play a crucial role in determining ecosystem function.
Researchers found that a brief genetic response to heat stress can increase fruit fly lifespan at normal temperatures. The study reveals hsp70's role in moderating stress and potentially regulating aging.
Researchers are investigating how climate change affects plant community composition, whole-ecosystem carbon exchange, and energy balance in northern peatlands. The goal is to determine the mechanisms of biotic control over temperature and its impact on ecosystem processes.
Researchers found that manipulating fish populations can alter the flow of carbon between lakes and the atmosphere, with implications for global climate. The study reveals that even slight rearrangements of an intact ecosystem's food web can have far-reaching consequences.
Ecosystems provide essential services such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and soil fertility. These services are crucial for human survival and well-being. Scientists highlight the importance of preserving these services in the face of human activity's impact on the environment.
According to Bruce Rittmann, microbes can break down a wide variety of pollutants, including PCBs and chlorinated solvents, through processes such as in situ bioremediation. In these processes, microbes are fed oxygen and nutrients to stimulate their growth and degradation of contaminants.