Abstract
During the 20th century, eutrophication of the Baltic Sea has increased significantly causing ecological and economical problems. Cyanobacterial growth are estimated to constitute about one fifth of the total annual primary production in the Baltic Sea, and their annual N input is the third largest input after river and land-run off and atmospheric depositions. My aim is to use modern molecular techniques to analyze the genetics of nitrogen fixation, heterocysts development, toxin production (nodularin) and the regulation of these processes by combined nitrogen in Nodularia spumigena. Nodularia is one of the dominant cyanobacteria in the summer blooms with major contribution to the primary production of carbon and nitrogen in the Baltic Sea. The results of this study will significantly refine our understanding of the effect of eutrophication on the nitrogen-fixation activity and hence the primary productivity of N by Nodularia, and will be of valuable assist if we are to find effective ways to manage the Baltic Sea blooms.
Sweden