Investigating Metallome and Photosynthetic Adaptations of Symbiodiniaceae Using Chemostat (IMPACT)

Expanding from batch culture works on Symbiodiniaceae, this work will explore the utilization of a continuous culture setup (chemostat) to further understand the impacts of nutrient limitation on cnidarian symbionts. Brix will investigate the effects of fluctuating nutrient availability under varying temperatures on the growth, metabolic processes, and adaptive strategies of select species from the microalgal family Symbiodiniaceae. Continuous culture experiments will be conducted to elucidate the impacts of iron (Fe) limitation and thermal stress on coral symbionts, particularly on their mechanisms of adaptation and resilience. The projected results of these experiments will provide valuable insights on the probable effects of eutrophication and increasing sea surface temperature on the health of tropical coral reefs.