Spatial Heterogeneity in Particle-Associated, Light-Independent Superoxide Production Within Productive Coastal Waters.

In the marine environment, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide is produced through a diverse array of light-dependent and light-independent reactions, the latter of which is thought to be primarily controlled by microorganisms. Marine superoxide production influences organic matter remineralization, metal redox cycling, and dissolved oxygen concentrations, yet the relative contributions of different sources to total superoxide production remain poorly constrained. Here we investigate the production, steady-state concentration, and particle-associated nature of light-independent superoxide in productive waters off the northeast coast of North America.