Algae from Ocean to Atmosphere: Exploring Coastal Ecosystems and Their Impact on Health, Climate, And Precipitation
EMSL Project ID
60647
Abstract
Marine species undergo biogeochemical cycles which yield highly dynamic composition at the ocean interface and air environment. With uncertainty in ocean and atmosphere composition, experimental scientists are limited in their ability to inform climate modelers of airborne chemistry taking place in aerosol. Specifically, biological aerosol persists as the most uncertain composition in our atmosphere. Biological aerosols can contain exudates from marine biota including toxins and entire cells. And a liter of ocean water can contain up to one million algal cells, rendering algae prime candidates for defining biological aerosol chemistry. To better understand these biological aerosols, we propose studies coupling spectroscopic and spectrometric experimentation and box modeling to mimic atmospheric conditions to define the biological activity of airborne algae. By exposing variable conditions such as pH, temperature, relative humidity to marine relevant algae, we can observe the chemical signatures of marine species in the airborne state and extend findings to climate models. Additionally, we will produce laboratory aerosol via acoustic levitation to allow for representative proxy systems in our investigation of airborne algae activity. The proposed studies will allow for better characterization and understanding of how biological processes, such as algal blooms in coastal ecosystems, influence the physicochemical properties of aerosols, which ultimately drive health, climate, and precipitation events.
Project Details
Start Date
2022-12-13
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members