Experimental data on bacterial abundance and morphological changes in copepod carcasses during their decomposition (in vitro)

The biogeochemical role of zooplankton in the ocean is determined not only by life-long accumulation of chemical elements from the environment, but also by post-mortal transformation of carcasses chemical composition. The contribution of zooplankton carcasses to vertical flux of major and trace elements depends on sedimentation and remineralization rates of detrital particles. Carcasses decomposition rate during sinking from the upper to the deeper water layers determines the rapid recycling of chemical elements and depends on ambient temperature and microbial activity. This data set summarizes 21-day experiment in microcosms that simulates temperature conditions in the Arctic environment. The data show slow decomposition of copepod carcasses compared with initial material on days 14–21 of the experiment. In addition to visual evidence, we provide data on changes in bacterial abundance and biomass during the whole experimental period.