Impacts of glacier dust and DOC on methane-oxidising bacteria from Greenlandic lakes

We are looking for a motivated BSc/MSc student who is interested in working with lake water samples at the department of Microbial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Background

Arctic lakes release methane (CH₄), a powerful greenhouse gas, through the activity of microbes. As the Arctic warms, melting permafrost, changing vegetation, and glacial meltwater are altering the inputs these lakes receive, ultimately affecting methane production and consumption. Two important drivers are dissolved organic matter, which feeds microbes, and dust from glaciers, which can supply rare nutrients that some methane-cycling microbes need. By studying how these changes affect microbial communities and their processes, we can better understand how Arctic lakes are affected by- and contribute to climate change.

Objectives

For the CLIMET project, we have collected water samples from 50 lakes in West Greenland. You will perform incubation experiments on these samples to examine the effect of supplied glacier dust and dissolved organic carbon on microbial methane consumption in the water column. By uncovering these biogeochemical interactions, your work will help establish new connections between lake ecology and the impacts of climate change in Arctic environments.

Training opportunities

• Working with unique environmental samples from Greenland
• Experimentation with methane-oxidising bacteria
• Being part of an interdisciplinary research community, learning more about the effect of climate change on Arctic ecosystems

Your background and project setup

The project is quite flexible, and can take shape as a BSc/MSc project/internship. The duration and start date are negotiable but preferably ASAP. Candidates are welcome to bring their own ideas to the table for this project. A background in microbiology is ideal, and previous lab experience is valuable. Supervision by Dr. Paul Bodelier (contact person), daily supervision by Dr. Ate Jaarsma and Erik Lindemann. Work takes place at the department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands. 

Contact

If interested, please send a CV + motivation to Dr. Paul Bodelier (Senior Researcher).