About
Professor Michael Krom is Head of the Marine Biogeochemistry group at the Sdot Yam marine station. My first degree was from Queens’ College Cambridge and after doing a Ph.D. at Edinburgh university I carried out postdoctoral fellowships with Professors Bob Berner and Karl Turekian at Yale University. My research interests are at the interface between Environmental Geochemistry and Biology. Most of my research has been on nutrient cycling (P, N and Fe) in aquatic and sedimentary systems. This has included work on P and N cycling in the Eastern Mediterranean (EMS) probably my most important work, and in a variety of marine and freshwater sediments.I have recently become interested in the effect of climate change (and particularly storms on nutrient dynamics in the EMS and in the Juilong river catchment, China. I have worked on the how atmospheric processes alter the bioavailability of Fe and P in Saharan dust where I have worked also with climate modellers. I worked for many years on developing sustainable mariculture systems initially at the NMC, IOLR, Eilat. I was one of the two oceanography experts on the feasibility study for the Red Sea Dead Sea canal. I am currently ranked top of the Earth Scientists in Israel (Research.com) and 5th in Eastern Mediterranean research (top of EMS modern processes) by ScholarGPS.
Publications
- Urea provides an important nitrogen source for microbial populations in an ultraoligotrophic sea, Blachinsky, A., Ben Ezra, T., Gozali, S., Tsemel, A., Tchernov, D., Altabet, M., Berman-Frank, I. & Krom, M. D., Jun 2026, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 71, 6, e70408.
- Effects of a Storm on the Transformation and Export of Phosphorus Through a Subtropical River-Turbid Estuary Continuum Revealed by Continuous Observation, Zhang, M., Krom, M. D., Lin, J., Cheng, P. & Chen, N., Aug 2022, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 127, 8, e2022JG006786.
- Seasonal nutrient dynamics in the P depleted Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Ben Ezra, T., Krom, M. D., Tsemel, A., Berman-Frank, I., Herut, B., Lehahn, Y., Rahav, E., Reich, T., Thingstad, T. F. & Sher, D., Oct 2021, In: Deep-Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 176, 103607.
- Circulation and oxygen cycling in the Mediterranean Sea: Sensitivity to future climate change, Powley, H. R., Krom, M. D. & Van Cappellen, P., 1 Nov 2016, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 121, 11, p. 8230-8247 18 p.
- Past, present and future patterns in the nutrient chemistry of the eastern mediterranean, Krom, M., Kress, N., Berman-Frank, I. & Rahav, E., 1 Jan 2014, The Mediterranean Sea: Its History and Present Challenges. Springer, p. 49-68 20 p.
- External N inputs and internal N cycling traced by isotope ratios of nitrate, dissolved reduced nitrogen, and particulate nitrogen in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Emeis, K. C., Mara, P., Schlarbaum, T., Möbius, J., Dähnke, K., Struck, U., Mihalopoulos, N. & Krom, M., 1 Dec 2010, In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 115, 4, G04041.
- Response to comment on "Nature of phosphorus limitation in the ultraoligotrophic eastern mediterranean", Thingstad, T. F., Law, C. S., Krom, M. D., Mantoura, R. F. C., Pitta, P., Psarra, S., Rassoulzadegan, F., Tanaka, T., Wassmann, P., Wexels Riser, C. & Zohary, T., 23 Jun 2006, In: Science. 312, 5781, p. 1748 1 p.
- Nature of phosphorus limitation in the ultraoligotrophic eastern Mediterranean, Thingstad, T. F., Krom, M. D., Mantoura, R. F. C., Flaten, C. A. F., Groom, S., Herut, B., Kress, N., Law, C. S., Pasternak, A., Pitta, P., Psarra, S., Rassoulzadegan, F., Tanaka, T., Tselepides, A., Wassmann, P., Woodward, E. M. S., Riser, C. W., Zodiatis, C. & Zohary, T., 12 Aug 2005, In: Science. 309, 5737, p. 1068-1071 4 p.
- Use of a high-resolution pore-water gel profiler to measure groundwater fluxes at an underwater saline seepage site in Lake Kinneret, Israel, Mortimer, R. J. G., Krom, M. D., Boyle, D. R. & Nishri, A., Nov 1999, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 44, 7, p. 1802-1809 8 p.
- Sources of sediment to the Ionian Sea and western Levantine basin of the Eastern Mediterranean during S-1 sapropel times, Krom, M. D., Michard, A., Cliff, R. A. & Strohle, K., Aug 1999, In: Marine Geology. 160, 1-2, p. 45-61 17 p.
- Particle concentration effect and adsorption reversibility, Pan, G., Liss, P. S. & Krom, M. D., 15 Jun 1999, In: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 151, 1-2, p. 127-133 7 p.
- Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee): The effects of diversion of external salinity sources and the probable chemical composition of the internal salinity sources, Nishri, A., Stiller, M., Rimmer, A., Geifman, Y. & Krom, M., 3 Jun 1999, In: Chemical Geology. 158, 1-2, p. 37-52 16 p.
- The effect of macrofauna on porewater profiles and nutrient fluxes in the intertidal zone of the humber estuary, Mortimer, R. J. G., Davey, J. T., Krom, M. D., Watson, P. G., Frickers, P. E. & Clifton, R. J., Jun 1999, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 48, 6, p. 683-699 17 p.
- Sediment-water exchange of nutrients in the intertidal zone of the Humber estuary, UK, Mortimer, R. J. G., Krom, M. D., Watson, P. G., Frickers, P. E., Davey, J. T. & Clifton, R. J., 1999, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 37, 3-7, p. 261-279 19 p.
- Use of gel probes for the determination of high resolution solute distributions in marine and estuarine pore waters, Mortimer, R. J. G., Krom, M. D., Hall, P. O. J., Hulth, S. & Ståhl, H., Dec 1998, In: Marine Chemistry. 63, 1-2, p. 119-129 11 p.
- Evidence for the evolution of an oxygen minimum layer at the beginning of S-1 sapropel deposition in the eastern Mediterranean, Strohle, K. & Krom, M. D., Aug 1997, In: Marine Geology. 140, 3-4, p. 231-236 6 p.
- The use of sequential extraction techniques for sedimentary phosphorus in eastern Mediterranean sediments, Eijsink, L. M., Krom, M. D. & De Lange, G. J., Jun 1997, In: Marine Geology. 139, 1-4, p. 147-155 9 p.
- Active post-depositional oxidation of the most recent sapropel (S1) in sediments of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Van Santvoort, P. J. M., De Lange, G. J., Thomson, J., Cussen, H., Wilson, T. R. S., Krom, M. D. & Ströhle, K., Nov 1996, In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 60, 21, p. 4007-4024 18 p.
- High‐resolution pore‐water sampling with a gel sampler, Krom, M. D., Davison, P., Zhang, H. & Davison, W., Dec 1994, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 39, 8, p. 1967-1972 6 p.
- Industrial Mercury in Combination with Natural Pb210 as Time-dependent Tracers of Sedimentation and Mercury Removal from Haifa Bay, Israel, Krom, M. D., Kaufman, A. & Hornung, H., Jun 1994, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 38, 6, p. 625-642 18 p.
- Monitoring the disposal of coal fly ash at a deep water site in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Kress, N., Golik, A., Galil, B. & Krom, M. D., Aug 1993, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 26, 8, p. 447-456 10 p.
- Trace metal content in deep-water sharks from the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Hornung, H., Krom, M. D., Cohen, Y. & Bernhard, M., Feb 1993, In: Marine Biology. 115, 2, p. 331-338 8 p.
- Phosphorus limitation of primary productivity in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Krom, M. D., Kress, N., Brenner, S. & Gordon, L. I., May 1991, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 36, 3, p. 424-432 9 p.
- The mixed-layer/thermocline cycle of a persistent warm core eddy in the eastern Mediterranean, Brenner, S., Rozentraub, Z., Bishop, J. & Krom, M., Apr 1991, In: Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans. 15, 3-5, p. 457-476 20 p.
- Environmental capacity of the ocean margins: reality or myth?, Krom, M. D. & Cohen, Y., 1991, In: Unknown Journal. p. 281-299 19 p.
- Acute toxicity of ammonia to juvenile gilthead seabream Sparus aurata under reduced oxygen levels, Wajsbrot, N., Gasith, A., Krom, M. D. & Popper, D. M., 1991, In: Aquaculture. 92, C, p. 277-288 12 p.
- The Effect of Light and Ammonium on Growth, Epiphytes and Chemical Constituents of Gracilaria conferta in Outdoor Cultures, Friedlander, M., Krom, M. D. & Ben-Amotz, A., 1991, In: Botanica Marina. 34, 3, p. 161-166 6 p.
- Determination of the environmental capacity of Haifa Bay with respect to the input of mercury, Krom, M. D., Hornung, H. & Cohen, Y., Jul 1990, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 21, 7, p. 349-354 6 p.
- Effect of dissolved oxygen and the molt stage on the acute toxicity of ammonia to juvenile green tiger prawn Penaeus semisulcatus, Wajsbrot, N., Krom, M. D., Samocha, T. M. & Gasith, A., Apr 1990, In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 9, 4, p. 497-504 8 p.
- Daily oxygen variations in marine fish ponds, Elat, Israel, Erez, J., Krom, M. D. & Neuwirth, T., Feb 1990, In: Aquaculture. 84, 3-4, p. 289-305 17 p.
- Trace metal distribution in sediments and benthic fauna of Haifa Bay, Israel, Hornung, H., Krom, M. D. & Cohen, Y., Jul 1989, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 29, 1, p. 43-56 14 p.
- Phytoplankton nutrient uptake dynamics in earthen marine fishponds under winter and summer conditions, Krom, M. D., Erez, J., Porter, C. B. & Ellner, S., 1 Feb 1989, In: Aquaculture. 76, 3-4, p. 237-253 17 p.
- Ammonia excretion of green tiger prawn Penaeus semisulcatus as a possible limit on the biomass density in shrimp ponds, Wajsbrot, N., Krom, M. D., Gasith, A. & Samocha, T., 1989, In: Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh. 41, 4, p. 159-164 6 p.
- Ammonia excretion and total N budget for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and its effect on water quality conditions, Porter, C. B., Krom, M. D., Robbins, M. G., Brickell, L. & Davidson, A., 15 Nov 1987, In: Aquaculture. 66, 3-4, p. 287-297 11 p.
- The effect of water quality on the growth of Sparus aurata in marine fish ponds, Porter, C. B., Krom, M. D. & Gordin, H., 31 Dec 1986, In: Aquaculture. 59, 3-4, p. 299-315 17 p.
- Sources of water to the seawater well which supplies the fish ponds in Eilat Implications for fishpond management, Krom, M. D., Apr 1986, In: Water Research. 20, 4, p. 463-469 7 p.
- An evaluation of the concept of assimilative capacity as applied to marine waters., Krom, M. D., 1986, In: Ambio. 15, 4, p. 208-214 7 p.
- Nutrient budget of a marine fish pond in Eilat, Israel, Krom, M. D., Porter, C. & Gordin, H., 15 Dec 1985, In: Aquaculture. 51, 1, p. 65-80 16 p.
- Causes of fish mortalities in semi-intensively operated seawater ponds in Eilat, Israel, Krom, M. D., Porter, C. & Gordin, H., 15 Oct 1985, In: Aquaculture. 49, 2, p. 159-177 19 p.
- Description of the water quality conditions in a semi-intensively cultured marine fish pond in Eilat, Israel, Krom, M. D., Porter, C. & Gordin, H., 15 Oct 1985, In: Aquaculture. 49, 2, p. 141-157 17 p.
- Sources, deposition rates and decomposition of organic carbon in recent sediment of Sachem Head Harbor, Long Island Sound, Krom, M. D. & Bennett, J. T., Sep 1985, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 21, 3, p. 325-336 12 p.
- An automated method of ammonia determination for use in mariculture, Krom, M. D., Grayer, S. & Davidson, A., 1 Feb 1985, In: Aquaculture. 44, 2, p. 153-160 8 p.
- A rapid method for the determination of organic and carbonate carbon in geological samples., Krom, M. D. & Berner, R. A., 1983, In: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology. 53, 2, p. 660-663 4 p.
- Comments on "Molecular diffusion and the sedimentary environment: results from the in situ determination of whole sediment diffusion coefficients" by P. E. Kepkay, R. C. Cooke and A. J. Bowen, Westrich, J. T., Krom, M. D. & Berner, R. A., Nov 1982, In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 46, 11, p. 2407 1 p.
- The diagenesis of phosphorus in a nearshore marine sediment, D. Krom, M. & A. Berner, R., Feb 1981, In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 45, 2, p. 207-216 10 p.
- Adsorption of phosphate in anoxic marine sediments, Krom, M. D. & Berner, R. A., Sep 1980, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 25, 5, p. 797-806 10 p.
- The diffusion coefficients of sulfate, ammonium, and phosphate ions in anoxic marine sediments, Krom, M. D. & Berner, R. A., Mar 1980, In: Limnology and Oceanography. 25, 2, p. 327-337 11 p.
- Spectrophotometric determination of ammonia: A study of a modified berthelot reaction using salicylate and dichloroisocyanurate, Krom, M. D., 1980, In: Analyst. 105, 1249, p. 305-316 12 p.
- Dissolution of pyroxenes and amphiboles during weathering, Berner, R. A., Sjöberg, E. L., Velbel, M. A. & Krom, M. D., 1980, In: Science. 207, 4436, p. 1204-1206 3 p.
- On the association of iron and manganese with organic matter in anoxic marine pore waters, Krom, M. D. & Sholkovitz, E. R., Jun 1978, In: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 42, 6 PART A, p. 607-611 5 p.
Research Areas
Marine Environmental Biogeochemistry
Understanding nutrient cycling (Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Silica) is key to controlling the base of the food chain in the global ocean. The Eastern Mediterranean is a unique sea which although an inland sea with a large pollutant input acts as an ocean gyre and a special natural lab for globally important biogeochemical processes. The lab at the Sdot Yam Marine station monitors nutrient changes in order to quantify the effects of environmental and climate change in the modern world as well as using sediment records to understand climate change over the last 20k years. We are developing detailed knowledge of key marine processes to use in developing effective means of climate restoration.