Assessing seasonal changes of algae-bacteria interactions in the New Jersey coastal waters
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Grant: NSF
Derek Melendez
CoPIs:
Chelsea Oti, Benjamin Aharoni, Erin Kraus
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Shuting Liu
Abstract:
Assessing seasonal changes of algae-bacteria interactions in the New Jersey coastal waters
Derek Melendez, Shuting Liu Chelsea Oti, Benjamin Aharoni, Erin Kraus, Spencer Thompson, Jason Allen
Over seasonal cycles marine microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria, in the coastal waters interact differently based on a multitude of factors. For instance, temperature and inorganic nutrients contributing to algal bloom formations . Algae interact with bacteria through release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that can be used by bacteria. All of these factors and processes will change the water quality and ecosystem health over the time. Thus it is crucial to find out more about how algae-bacteria interactions shape marine ecosystems and impact our water quality by doing a thorough study at NJ coastal waters. In order to assess the seasonal variability of algae biomass in the water and the correlation between which nutrients were being consumed for algal blooms together with subsequent processes affecting bacteria via algae-released DOM, We carried out this task by collecting samples of water at multiple sites at New Jersey coastal waters. Then we prepared those samples of water by filtering particles or adding reagents like HCl. Finally we analyzed chlorophyll and inorganic nutrients using a spectrophotometer, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using total organic carbon analyzer, and bacterial abundance using fluorescence microscope. It is found that during the spring and summer algal blooms, which are due to high temperature during that time, inorganic nitrogen are deficient in the water, indicating algae is taking up nitrogen. DOC produced by algae in the spring-summer bloom time triggered the increase of bacterial biomass compared to non-bloom seasons in the winter, suggesting bacteria is actively responding to algal-DOM during the bloom period. These findings display the seasonal patterns of algae-bacteria interaction in the New Jersey coastal waters and provide mechanistic understanding of driving factors shaping their interactions.