Laboratory
Marine Microbial Ecology/Biogeochemistry Laboratory
Lab Information
Marine Microbial Ecology/Biogeochemistry Laboratory
- Professor in charge
- Lab phone
- Location
Introduction to the Lab
Introduction to the Lab
According to scientific records known to date, microorganisms are the first life forms on Earth, which appeared about 3.8 billion years ago, long before plants and animals began to flourish 600 million years ago. Microorganisms have played a leading role in continuously leading the Earth's material cycle from the primitive atmosphere to the creation of the ecosystem in which most living things breathe oxygen today, and in forming today's Earth/ocean environment.
In particular, microorganisms in marine ecosystems are important biogeochemical agents that convert organic matter produced by phytoplankton into carbon dioxide through respiration and release it into the atmosphere, or participate in the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and many pollutants in the water column and bottom of coastal oceans where eutrophication/pollution has occurred.
The Marine Microbial Ecology/Biogeochemistry Laboratory conducts research to understand how microorganisms living in various environments change the Earth and marine environments through interactions with surrounding environmental factors, and to apply the various functions of related microorganisms to real life.
Areas
- Through research on the various ecological functions of microorganisms living in various marine environments (coastal-ocean and deep sea; tropical-polar) and their interactions with environmental factors, 1) understand the role of microorganisms in changes in the food web structure and biogeochemical material cycles in marine ecosystems, and 2) elucidate the response of marine ecosystems to climate change and the ecological functions of microorganisms.
- By clarifying the microbial organic matter decomposition function, biogeochemical material cycle process, and benthic-pelagic coupling between bottom-water layer ecosystems in various coastal wetlands such as tidal flats, salt marshes, coastal aquaculture farms, and flood forests, 1) evaluate the ecological function of coastal wetlands in coastal environments, and 2) suggest measures to evaluate the ecological function of polluted (eutrophicated) coastal marine environments and manage/improve coastal environments.
- Using various molecular techniques and microbial culture techniques, 1) understand the structure of microbial communities involved in biogeochemical material cycles, and 2) develop bioremediation technology for pollutants (toxic substances) and suggest ecological restoration plans for polluted coastal environments through research on isolation and utilization of useful microorganisms.
Research projects in progress (supporting organizations)
- Long-term marine ecosystem research (II): Environmental change and ecosystem response (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)
- Organic Decomposition, Decomposition Pathways, and Controlling Factors in East China Sea Sediments (Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)
- Sediment organic matter decomposition characteristics of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA; integrated multi-trophic aquaculture) (National Institute of Fisheries Science)
- Investigation of factors for the productivity model of Wando-gun abalone fishing ground (National Institute of Fisheries Science)
- Investigation and Evaluation of Sediment Release from the Four Major Rivers - Focusing on 14 Dams - (National Institute of Environmental Research)
- Microbial biogeochemical study of Sihwa Lake and nearby coastal marine sediments (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)
- Study of water layer microbial ecology in the sea ice of the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica (Polar Research Institute)
- Organic matter decomposition and control factors by microbial respiration in the Antarctic Ocean water layer (Polar Research Institute)