PROJECT

Benthic diatom community responses to ocean acidification

Community respiration and primary production are both essential ecosystem processes, which influence many other aspects of ecosystems. Little is known however about in-situ ecosystem community respiration and benthic diatom photosynthetic responses to ocean acidification (OA), especially from soft sediment communities in the Antarctic. Recent developments in Free Ocean Carbon Enrichment (FOCE) technology has enabled in-situ investigations of ecosystem responses achievable. The current research investigates both in-situ and in vivo acute (<144hrs) and chronic (after 8 weeks) microphytobenthos (MPB) responses to OA using novel respiration chambers, micro sensors, shutter PAM technology and antFOCE infrastructure.

SUPERVISORS

Prof Andrew McMinn

Dr Johnny Stark