Nitrite Oxidation Across the Full Oxygen Spectrum in the Ocean

Fixed nitrogen limits primary productivity in most areas of the surface ocean. Nitrite oxidation is main source nitrate, abundant form inorganic fixed nitrogen. Even though known as an aerobic process, nitrite not always stimulated by increased oxygen concentration, and occurs layers minimum zones (OMZs) where detectable. Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, since their original isolation aerobes, were also detected these layers. Whether how occurring anoxic seawater debated. Here, we reassess recent advances marine OMZ regions using previous work new data sets collected two Pacific OMZs. We analyze complex relationship between oxygen. discuss potential mechanisms explaining different OMZs based on findings propose future directions to resolve controversial question apparently anaerobic