Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00296
Virus driven biogeochemistry - implications of lysis-driven nutrient regeneration on microbial growth.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr WH Wilson, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UNLISTED
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor KJ Flynn, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth Marine Lab
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor S Gibb, University of the Highlands and Islands, The North Highland College UHI
- Grant held at:
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UNLISTED
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- Marine phytoplankton are central players in global carbon fixation, nutrient cycling and energy transfer. Consequently, the causes of phytoplankton mortality have important biogeochemical and ecological consequences. The main non-predatory loss routes for primary production by marine phytoplankton are release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by active cells, sedimentation and virus-induced cell lysis. It has been estimated that as much as a quarter of the DOM in the sea is derived from virus activity. However, the implications of lysis driven nutrient regeneration on microbial growth has never been quantified experimentally for marine phytoplankton. We will use state of the art mass spectrometry methodology to characterise and quantify DOM derived from viral lysis of phytoplankton. Radiotracers will be used to determine the fate and nutritional value of different DOM fractions to marine microbial communities. We will also investigate the relative proportion of DOM released by autolysis compared to viral lysis in nutrient-limited growth conditions. Mass spectrometry will also be used to determine DOM markers for viral lysis and to identify naturally occurring anti-viral compounds (hence, potential interest from biotechnology companies). The ultimate aim will be to generate a model of lysis driven nutrient regeneration based on the data obtained from the study.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/A/S/2003/00296
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £209,571
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £13,598 | £102,047 | £39,346 | £46,942 | £7,638 |
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