Attività microbiche e turnover della sostanza organica in ambiente oligotrofico (Isole Egadi)

Particulate organic matter content and proteolytic and respiratory activities have been studied in Egadi Archipelago, Data obtained allow to distinguish two distinct areas; the southern one is characterized by higher POC and PON and microbial activity levels in the upper layers, while the northern zone shows higher activity levels in the deeper ones. The southern stations with the lowest C/N ratios(<6), referable to bacteria, show the highest microbial turnover rates.