We offer a master's project in marine ecophysiology and ecotoxicology. The student will get extensive training in the laboratory.
Project description
Calanus hyperboreus is a keystone zooplankton species in the Arctic marine ecosystems. However, the dependence of this species on Arctic pelagic and ice-associated algae are relatively unknown. This project investigates the grazing behavior and preferences of the Arctic copepod C. hyperboreus on key pelagic phytoplankton species including Phaeocystis pouchetii, and various diatom species, and ice-associated Melosira arctica and pennate sea ice diatoms, such as Nitzschia frigida. Controlled laboratory feeding trials will assess grazing rates, and nutritional uptake of different algal species and their lipids under simulated Arctic conditions. The study aims to elucidate the ecological role of C. hyperboreus in Arctic food webs and its response to shifting availability of different microalgal food types due to climate change.
The student will conduct lab experiments to investigate the effects of warming on the grazing of Calanus on pelagic and ice-associated algae at different temperatures. The grazing rate and reproduction will be quantified for 3-6 weeks (Dinh et al., 2019; Toxv?rd et al., 2018; 2019). Subsequently, the nutritional values of the algae and lipid assimilation in C. hyperboreus will be analyzed.
Student(s) will learn how to work with Arctic copepods and “unique” algal cultures, Arctic experimental research, applied statistics, and ecophysiology, and gain field skills in Arctic marine ecosystems.
We offer a supportive learning environment where the student will be part of a larger group working with different invertebrate species in aquatic environments. This project will be co-supervised by several scientists from UiO, Akvaplan-niva, and NIVA. Hands-on training in the laboratory and the field. The possibility of attending a World Congress such as SETAC depends on budget availability.
If you are interested
Please send us a brief description of yourself and your motivation for this project: van.k.dinh@ibv.uio.no and eva@akvaplan.niva.no, or pass by our office (KBH 4509 – Khuong).
Supervisors: Khuong V. Dinh, University of Oslo, Eva Leu, Akvaplan-niva, Luka ?upraha, NIVA
References
Dinh, K. V., Olsen, M. W., Altin, D., Vismann, B., & Nielsen, T. G. (2019). Impact of temperature and pyrene exposure on the functional response of males and females of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(28), 29327–29333. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06078-x
Toxv?rd, K., Dinh, K. V., Henriksen, O., Hjorth, M., & Nielsen, T. (2018). Impact of pyrene exposure during overwintering of the Arctic copepod Calanus glacialis. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(18), 10328-10336. doi:10.1021/acs.est.8b03327
Toxv?rd, K., Dinh, K. V., Henriksen, O., Hjorth, M., & Nielsen, T. G. (2019). Delayed effects of pyrene exposure during overwintering on the Arctic copepod Calanus hyperboreus. Aquatic Toxicology, 217, 105332. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105332