Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in aquatic environments

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in aquatic environments

2002 | U. Passow
Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are gel-like particles found in aquatic environments, primarily composed of acidic polysaccharides. They are quantified using microscopic enumeration or colorimetric methods and have been shown to play a significant role in biogeochemical cycling and food web structure. TEP are abundant in both fresh and marine waters, with concentrations often coinciding with phytoplankton blooms. They exhibit high stickiness, flexibility, and a high carbon content, which influences their impact on particle dynamics and the cycling of trace elements. TEP can form microhabitats for microorganisms and facilitate the aggregation of solid particles, promoting sedimentation and carbon sequestration. The turnover of TEP is influenced by bacterial degradation and can range from hours to months. TEP are also utilized by filter feeders and euphausiids, linking the microbial loop with the classical food web. The study of TEP provides insights into the dynamics of particle formation, aggregation, and carbon cycling in aquatic ecosystems.Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are gel-like particles found in aquatic environments, primarily composed of acidic polysaccharides. They are quantified using microscopic enumeration or colorimetric methods and have been shown to play a significant role in biogeochemical cycling and food web structure. TEP are abundant in both fresh and marine waters, with concentrations often coinciding with phytoplankton blooms. They exhibit high stickiness, flexibility, and a high carbon content, which influences their impact on particle dynamics and the cycling of trace elements. TEP can form microhabitats for microorganisms and facilitate the aggregation of solid particles, promoting sedimentation and carbon sequestration. The turnover of TEP is influenced by bacterial degradation and can range from hours to months. TEP are also utilized by filter feeders and euphausiids, linking the microbial loop with the classical food web. The study of TEP provides insights into the dynamics of particle formation, aggregation, and carbon cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
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