Defecation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by the copepod Acartia tonsa as functions of ambient food concentration and body DSMP content

Abstract

The dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) defecation rate of Acartia tonsa (calanoid copepod) feeding on Tetraselmis impellucida (prasinophyte) was correlated with food concentration and copepod body DMSP content. Copepod fecal pellets represent a highly concentrated source of DMSP, and thus play an important role in DMSP flux and microbial processes in the ocean.