Metabolism of free-living and particle-associated prokaryotes: Consequences for carbon flux around a Southern Ocean archipelago

► Prokaryotic metabolism was examined around a Southern Ocean archipelago. ► Metabolic rates were estimated for the free-living and particle-associated communities. ► Highest prokaryotic growth efficiencies were observed downstream of the islands. ► Free-living and particle-associated prokaryotes showed different carbon utilisation. ► This could have important implications for overall carbon flux around the islands.