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Microbial distribution in coastal and pelagic oceans
Microbial communities vary with depth and season, and different taxa contribute to distinct biogeochemical processes.
Characterizing their community composition is the first step toward understanding their ecological roles.
We quantify microbial abundance using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry and analyze community genomic data to map their spatial distribution across different marine environments.
Microbial rate measurements and functional activity
Presence alone does not necessarily mean that they are functioning. Some cells may be dormant or dead, while others remain active.
Therefore, it is essential to measure microbial activity rates directly.
We use tracer assays, adding labeled substrates to track incorporation, and we also measure oxygen consumption rates as a proxy for microbial respiration.
Microbial life under pressure and cold conditions
Hydrostatic pressure increases with depth, and low temperatures characterize deep and other cold habitats—both factors significantly influence microbial physiology and activity.
Understanding how these environmental conditions shape microbial processes is essential for assessing ocean carbon cycling under ongoing climate change.
We use an in situ microbial incubator (ISMI)—an autonomous instrument that performs incubations directly in the deep sea—to measure microbial activity under ambient in situ conditions.