The Van de Waal Group studies the impact of global change on the eco-physiology and population dynamics of phytoplankton, with special emphasis on toxic species. To this end, the Van de Waal Group applies a variety of approaches, including bio-assays with single clones for understanding cellular processes, continuous culture experiments to test resource competition, and field studies to follow natural phytoplankton community dynamics.

Specifically, the Van de Waal Group investigates the impacts of elevated pCO2 on: 1) carbon acquisition, photosynthesis and toxicity of bloom forming dinoflagellates, 2) gene regulation and biochemical metabolism of coccolithophores, 3) the genetic diversity and toxicity of natural phytoplankton communities, and 4) the biological stoichiometry, amino acid metabolism and toxicity of various harmful cyanobacteria species. Moreover, the Van de Waal Group studies the impacts of elevated pCO2 and warming on carbon assimilation, community composition, and the ecological stoichiometry of various phytoplankton species (CARBRET), and the role of pathogens in shaping the phytoplankton community structure (PHYTOPATHO).

Expertise

  • Phytoplankton ecology
  • Ecological stoichiometry
  • Harmful algal blooms
  • Toxin synthesis

Current group-members