Coral-associated denitrification is seasonally variable and species-specific.

Coral-associated denitrification varies seasonally and species-specifically, with rates up to 2.0 nmol N cm -2 h -1 in some corals.

• Why it matters: Understanding denitrification in corals is crucial because nitrogen regulation maintains coral-algal symbiosis stability, yet it remains poorly quantified and influenced by environmental factors.
• What they did: Researchers measured year-long denitrification activity in four Red Sea coral species using acetylene inhibition assays, alongside environmental and physiological data, revealing seasonal and species-specific patterns.
• The result: Denitrification rates are higher in spring/summer and in heterotrophic corals, driven by temperature, DOC, and nitrate, suggesting vulnerability to environmental change and the importance of carbon sources in nitrogen cycling.