Research Project
Researchers:
Annette Koenders
(Associated with)
,
Bonnie Laverock
(Associated with)
,
Edith Cowan University
(Managed by)
,
Flavia Tarquinio
(Associated with)
,
Glenn Hyndes
(Associated with)
View all 6 related researchers
Full description
Microorganisms play a key role in facilitating the cycling of several elements in coastal environments, including nitrogen (N). N is a key component for maintaining high seagrass productivity and is often the limiting nutrient in marine environments. Seagrasses harbour an abundant and diverse microbial community (the ‘microbiome’), however their ecological and functional roles related to the seagrass host are still poorly understood, in particular regarding N cycling. Microorganisms capable of mineralising dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) may play a pivotal role in enhancing N availability in coastal environments such as seagrass meadows. Thus, the overall aim of the project was to enhance current understanding of abundance and diversity of the microbial community associated with seagrass meadows and their ecological role, with specific focus on N cycling. This was achieved by using molecular techniques together with 15N-enrichment experiments and nanoscale imaging techniques.