PLANT AND ALGAL ECOPHYSIOLOGY LAB

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Algal Photosynthesis and Stress

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- chlorophyll a fluorescence, carbon acquisition, nutrient limitation…

Erica Young maintains an active interest in algal photosynthesis – especially inorganic C acquisition and the effects of nutrient limitation on photosynthesis. Other interests are in constraints to phytoplankton productivity in natural systems and the potential effects of climate change (elevated CO₂ and temperature) on phytoplankton production. Current projects include examining the effect of freezing stress on Cladophora photosynthetic viability using chlorophyll a fluorescence, and the use of chl a fluorescence indicators to examine toxic stress in algae. The research on detection of toxins using algal photosynthesis is being carried out by Chang Jae Choi using a Xe-PAM (Walz) and has been funded by the Center for Water Security (from Homeland Security) and was presented at the 2007 Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) meeting .

Opportunities for undergrad or grad student projects are focused on elevated CO₂ effects on algal photosynthesis and energy metabolism, interactions between algal photosynthesis and the acquisition of other nutrients.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence Cladophora unusually devoid Lake Michigan shoreline

image of Asterionella sp. of encrusting diatom epiphytes in winter

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