Viral activity in relation to Emiliania huxleyi blooms: a mechanism of DMSP release?

Abstract

In coastal waters the collapse of the E. huxleyi bloom was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in large virus-like particles (LVLP) and there was a significant inverse relationship between cell-specific calcification rate and LVLP abundance. Results from a mesocosm study indicate that the viral activity may either prevent or terminate the development of E. huxleyi blooms. No significant relationships were found between the abundance of LVLPs and the concentrations of dissolved dimethylsulphoriopropionate and dimethylsulphide. -from Authors