Ecological investigation of nitrogen sources and sinks in Lake Wilson and three catchment ponds in the Darwin Glacier region

The study focuses on nitrogen in the area as high nitrate values have been identified in the meltwater of the catchment of Lake Wilson at the lower end of the Darwin Glacier. The vertical stratification of Lake Wilson was examined.

The mid-part of the lake was sampled where profiles of upward and downward irradiance was measured for water clarity and water column properties/vertical stratification (temperature, conductivity, pH, major and trace inorganic ions, dissolved gases, chlorophyll a and nitrogen compounds). The biomass, distribution and taxonomic composition of the microbial community were determined from samples. Bacterial activity was assessed by assays of denitrification, nitrification and dark CO2 uptake.