Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C51725X/1
The Role of Algal-Bacteria Interactions in Determining Dimethylsulphide Fluxes to the Atmosphere (ALBA).
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr DH Green, Scottish Association For Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr MC Hart, Scottish Association For Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor AD Hatton, Aberystwyth University, Vice Chancellor's Office
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- Changes in dimethylsulphide (DMS) production by marine plankton can have a significant effect on the climate by modifying aerosols and cloud albedo (SOLAS Science Plan). Many studies have examined DMS production during algal blooms. Although, there is a broad correlation between phytoplankton abundance and DMS production, it is not reliable enough to allow us to predict the global production of sulphur from the sea, and how this will impact on the global climate. We believe that by examining in closer detail, which bacteria, and how bacteria living in the sea affect DMS production, we will be able to better predict the amount of DMS produced globally. We also believe that by better understanding the biology of the sea, we will be able to improve predictions as to how climate change will affect DMS production. Our research at SAMS has identified the importance of the bacterial community in 'fuelling' phytoplankton growth. We understand from the literature, that one particular group of marine bacteria, called the Roseobacter clade, are recognised to be one of the principal groups of bacteria involved with DMS production and consumption. Importantly, this clade is also of primary importance within the bacteria associated with phytoplankton and highly active within the phycosphere around an algal cell. Our hypothesis is that phytoplankton growth and the bacterial community associated with algal blooms, and the fate of DMS, are all tightly coupled in time and space. We believe that studying 'algae and bacteria' together as a biological unit, we will be able increase our ability to predict and model the flux of DMS to the atmosphere. The proposed research objectives are to examine: (i) the culturable bacterial community associated with DMSP-producing phytoplankton, in terms of which bacteria can act as a source and sink of DMS; (ii) then to understand how the bacterial community structure living with an alga, impacts on DMS production and consumption across the bloom cycle and in relationship to the available nutrient concentration; and (iii) to examine how biogenic sulphur may be cycled between the algae and bacteria and quantitatively affect the growth rate of DMSP-producing phytoplankton.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C51725X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- SOLAS
This grant award has a total value of £168,621
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £95,806 | £5,726 | £23,019 | £44,071 |
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