Predicting the nutritional value of sea ice microalgae in a 'new Arctic' regime (AINSE PGRA Scholar)

Project Member(s): Petrou, K., Duncan, R., Nielsen, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Australian Synchrotron Access Program (Beamtime))
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Australian Synchrotron Access Program (Beamtime))

Start year: 2024

Summary: Arctic sea ice decline is one of the most visible manifestations of global climate change. The decline in land-fast ice extent and thinning of drift ice cover are well-documented, potentially representing a new sea ice regime in the Arctic. The ephemeral ice provides a habitat for sea ice microalgae, which contribute substantial energy and nutritional value to the Arctic marine food web. This project will use synchrotron-FTIR to explore how the nutritional value (biomolecular composition) of sea ice microalgal communities in land-fast and drift ice differ, providing estimates of future energy supply to the food web in a 'new Arctic'.

FOR Codes: Microbiology, Climate change impacts and adaptation, Biochemistry and cell biology, Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences, Ecosystem adaptation to climate change

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.