Palacios Honours Projects

Dr Yussi Palacios
Water in a Changing Environment
yussi.delgado@monash.edu

Projects

Why microalgae bloom: how nutrient availability drives their surges

Background: There is ever-expanding evidence of the severe impacts harmful algal blooms (HABs) have on animal, human and ecosystem health, largely driven by climate change and nutrient enrichment. Different microalgae groups are capable of forming blooms, including dinoflagellates, which are among the major contributors of HABs globally. Dinoflagellates often gain competitive advantage through their ability to utilise both organic and inorganic nutrient sources. However, other microalgal species rely on different strategies – such as highly efficient uptake of inorganic nutrients or rapid growth rates – that also enable them to bloom under favourable environmental conditions. Recent unpredicted blooms of microalgal species in Australia underscore the ecological damage these blooms can cause, but also reveals how little we understand the strategies microalgae use to thrive under changing environmental conditions. Addressing this knowledge gap is urgent, as it directly limits our ability to predict and manage outbreaks with potentially devastating
consequences.

Project Aim/s: This project will use phytoplankton species growing in Port Phillip Bay to: 
1) Determine organic/inorganic nutrient thresholds that drive the growth of dominant microalgal species by conducting laboratory experiments.
2) Assess how environmental and water quality variables impact phytoplankton growth dynamics using data from existing industry partner monitoring programs.

Techniques: This project will give hands-on experience working with microalgae from culturing phytoplankton to designing and running laboratory experiments. It involves the use of microscopy, spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric techniques, as well as wet-
chemistry analyses. This project includes data analysis in R, using results generated in the lab and/or from field work.

In addition to the laboratory and analytical component, the project offers opportunities for community engagement, such as participating in initiatives where local volunteers learn to identify microalgae and deepen their understanding of how to protect Port Phillip Bay from HABs.