The importance of silicon for marine production

• Published in: Hydrobiologia 2002-09, Vol.484 (1-3), p.21-31
• Main Authors: KRISTIANSEN, Svein, HOELL, Espen Edward
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Coastal waters; Eutrophication; Food chains; Food webs; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Nutrient dynamics; Primary production; Sea water ecosystems; Silicon; Synecology
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1021392618824

A review of silicon, with emphasis on its forms, uptake, dissolution and role in marine primary production, is given. The importance of silicon in marine food webs is discussed, as well as the concentrations of silicon in various areas and the importance of changing N:Si:P ratios. The methodology for measuring silicate transformations has recently been improved by the introduction of the highly enriched ^sup 32^Si isotope. Results from uptake experiments using ^sup 32^Si in nutrient rich coastal water and in open ocean are presented. The uptake kinetic experiments showed that the silicate uptake usually is unsaturated. We propose that closer attention in the future should be paid to the importance of balanced nutrient composition as well as nutrient supply dynamics for the development of eutrophication versus efficient trophic transfer and fish production in nutrient enriched systems. Close attention should also be paid to the mechanisms that reduce the inputs of silicate to coastal waters.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]