Trevor Platt Science Foundation Webinar on Microscopic organisms in hypoxia: ecophysiological rates and their role in the carbon cycle
Marine microscopic organisms play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles but are increasingly challenged by ocean deoxygenation and the expansion of oxygen minimum zones (OMZS). This webinar will address the effects of hypoxia and anoxia on phytoplankton and microbial communities, highlighting how the vertical distribution of pico- and nanophytoplankton is modulated by oxygen gradients. Experimental evidence will be presented on the sensitivity of strains such as Imantonia sp., diatoms, and coccolithophores, revealing differentiated physiological responses that suggest specific adaptive strategies to hypoxic conditions. The potential of photosynthesis-irradiance (PI) curves along the oxygen gradient to assess the functional capacity of photosynthesis in low-oxygen environments, conducted on board the R/V Falkor will also be explained.
Speaker
Dr. Montserrat Aldunate Chinchón
Researcher, University of Concepción, Chile
With a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Concepción, Monteserrat is at present working as a Researcher, Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Deoxygenation in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, University of Concepción. She has specialized in the study of marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, and their relationship with the environment and biogeochemical cycles. She is a versatile personality who teaches undergraduate and post graduate students, participates in national and international oceanographic cruises, and does scientific research with multi-disciplinary teams. She has experience integrating flow cytometry, microalgae culturing, stable isotope experiments, and molecular biology techniques