In situ microfluidics to study phytoplankton microscale interactions affecting global carbon capture and coral nutrition

Climate change is a global priority, affecting all nations with escalating consequences including temperature increase and extreme weather events. Coral reefs - occurring in EU territories such as Bonaire and New Caledonia - are among the most vulnerable ecosystems. Potential solutions for climate change mitigation may come from phytoplankton, marine microalgae providing critical ecosystem services linked to carbon sequestration and coral reef nutrition. On the one hand, due to their sheer numbers, phytoplankton have a large-scale impact on global CO2 capture, acting as a natural carbon sink. On the other hand, phytoplankton nourish corals, which in turn protect adjacent blue carbon sinks (seagrass meadows, tidal marshes and mangroves), fostering climate resilience. Carbon sequestration and coral nutrition rely on phytoplankton’s complex sensorimotor capabilities. However, despite their immense ecological roles, the dynamics of phytoplankton motility in-situ remain poorly understood. Current research methods rely on bulk and static analyses which fail to capture the dynamic and fine-scale nature of phytoplankton interactions in their natural environments. In PhytoSwim, I will overcome these limitations by developing a cutting edge methodology to study phytoplankton motility in situ, at relevant spatiotemporal microscales. I will first learn the current state-of-the-art of in situ microfluidics, and then adapt it to detect phytoplankton interactions (OBJ1). Next, I will use this new method to study phytoplankton behavior in the open ocean and in coral reefs, never done before (OBJ2). Expected outcomes: PhytoSwim will deepen our knowledge of phytoplankton microscale behaviors and their ecological impact, while directly contributing to EU’s objectives of advancing climate science. It will also place me at the forefront of the field, securing my path towards a research position in academia.