Upcoming thesis defence on May 24, 2019: North Sea seaweeds: DIP and DIN uptake kinetics and management strategies
On Friday the 24th of May, Alexander Lubsch will defend his thesis 'North Sea seaweeds: DIP and DIN uptake kinetics and management strategies'.
Nutrient uptake kinetics and ecophysiological consequences in 4 North Sea seaweeds
Nutrient uptake kinetics and internal storage capacities of dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrate (DIN) were quantified for 4 North Sea seaweed species, Ulva lactuca, Saccharina latissima, Laminaria digitata, Palmaria palmata. All seaweed species tested showed a biphasic response in uptake rates: surge uptake as a response to nutrient-starvation and maintenance uptake after internal nutrient pools had been filled. In absolute numbers, all seaweed species had different uptake rates and internal storage capacities for DIP and DIN. These differences were translated into different physiological consequences, from growth characteristics to internal composition related to DIP and DIN availability. Some species were well equipped to withstand low periods of nutrient limitation, some were very efficient in DIP and DIN uptake.
For the first time ever, a comprehensive insight was achieved in DIP and DIN uptake kinetics, management strategies and physiological effects in these North Sea seaweed species. With this insight ecological effects of nutrient limitations and shifts in limitation can be estimated. And ecological importance of seaweeds in terms of ecosystem services (e.g. DIP/DIN cycling) demonstrated. The results also allow prediction of potential seaweed biomass production in (off-shore) cultivation.
This thesis furthermore provides novel concepts for standardized texture analysis on the seaweeds, enabling research into the effects of environmental conditions on the tissue toughness of seaweeds. Finally, an optical analysis to estimate protein concentration in U. lactuca is introduced, which resulted in the EyeOnUlva smartphone app.
PhD ceremony | A. (Alexander) Lubsch |
When | May 24 (Friday), 2019 |
Start | 14:30h |
Promotores | 1st - prof. dr. K.R. (Klaas) Timmermans
2nd - prof. dr. T.J. (Tjeerd) Bouma |
Where | Academy building |
RUG Faculty | Science and Engineering |
Online dissertation |
Last modified: | 04 March 2021 3.38 p.m. |
More news
-
18 March 2024
VentureLab North helps researchers to develop succesful startups
It has happened to many researchers. While working, you suddenly ask yourself: would this not be incredibly useful for people outside of my own research discipline? There are many ways to share the results of your research. For example, think of a...
-
04 March 2024
A plant-based sensor
Every two weeks, UG Makers puts the spotlight on a researcher who has created something tangible, ranging from homemade measuring equipment for academic research to small or larger products that can change our daily lives. That is how UG...
-
11 December 2023
Join the 'Language and AI' community
As a part of the Jantina Tammes School, the 'Language and AI' theme is an interdisciplinary initiative that aims to encourage collaboration among academics, PhD candidates, students, and industry representatives who share a keen interest in the...