| I am interested in ecosystem trophodynamics and end-2-end energy fluxes. My studies were conducted at several hydrodynamically different areas in the North Sea. To describe these fluxes in the pelagic and benthic realms I used chemical-oceanographic information and tissue-specific carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, as well as bacteria and microalgae sensitive biomarker - pigment fingerprinting and compound-specific stable isotope analysis of phospholipid-derived fatty acids. I am also interested in ecophysiological aspects of N excretion by benthic and pelagic fauna, for example in their role in regeneration production in intertidal ecosystems such as the sea grass beds of the Wadden Sea. |  |
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Energy fluxes through plankton and benthic-pelagic coupling in the North Sea Summary: The goal of my studies is to contribute towards an improved understanding of the flow of terrigenous organic carbon and nitrogen to, within and between benthic and pelagic systems in the central- and southern North Sea. The research was the biological component of the research program “Marine Ecosystem Connections - Essential indicators of healthy, productive and biologically diverse European Shelf Seas” conducted by CEFAS (DEFRA contract ME3205). Reflecting a gradient in hydrographic regime, temperature and organic matter supply, the objectives of the studies are to:
Seston, mesozooplankton as well as epi- and suprabenthic macrofauna were collected during seven cruises (Feb. 2007 - April 2008) in the North Sea at the Sean Gas field (southern Bight), the Oyster Ground (central North Sea) and 111 km north of the Dogger Bank (northern North Sea). Additional study locations were situated in the Thames plume (Outer Gabbard) and in the Humber plume. Most stable isotope food-web studies have been limited to the higher part of the food web, because sample preparation for standard isotope analysis requires physical separation of the organisms. Current development, based on the isotopic characterisation of molecules specific for certain microorganisms, recently allowed resolving trophodynamics at the lower end of the food web. Through the use phospholipid-derived fatty acids as biomarkers, it is now possible to measure the isotopic composition of bacteria and functional groups of phytoplankton (e.g. diatoms, green algae, dinoflagellates). Information on fluxes of carbon and nitrogen derived from particulate organic matter and primary producers to zooplankton and higher trophic levels and the coupling between the benthic and the pelagic realms may improve numeric ecosystem studies. Supervisors
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