Nitrogen fixation by Cyanoprokaryotes in the Eden Ecological Reserve in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

Acetylene reduction assay (ARA) was applied to determine the rate of nitrogen fixation by cyanoprokaryotes in a wetland in El Eden Ecological Reserve. The data obtained throughout a hydrological cycle showed both an increase of fixed nitrogen during wet periods and an important amount of nitrogen rate produced by non-heterocytic filamentous and colonial blue-green algae. The results support the importance of the contribution of algae to nutrient balance in the wetland ecosystem.