The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $452,631 Project Grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) to conduct collaborative research on using hydrogen isotope analysis of amino acids as a novel tracer of microbial processes in marine particles. The 3-year project will analyze archived marine particle samples and conduct degradation experiments to assess the replacement of phytoplankton biomass with bacterial biomass as particles sink in the ocean. This work aims to develop hydrogen isotopes in amino acids as a new proxy for tracking the turnover of organic matter within marine particles, which could inform studies of the global carbon cycle, marine ecology, and fisheries. The project will also support PhD students and develop outreach activities to introduce K-12 and college students to marine science. The Tritium Laboratory, a specialized facility operated by RSMAS, will provide low-level tritium analysis services to support this and other RSMAS research initiatives funded through federal grants.
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