The Organic Biogeochemistry group at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO)
investigates the reactivity of organic matter in aquatic environments by
examining the molecular and isotopic composition of lipids in rivers, lakes and
oceans.
Dynamic cycles link the distributions of the major elements between living and
non-living organic matter and various inorganic reservoirs. The term
"biogeochemistry" highlights the close coupling between biology, geology and
chemistry in the multidisciplinary science that strives to understand the
relationship between the biosphere and the geosphere.
Lipids are important biochemicals in organisms where they play roles in energy
storage and mobilization, membrane structure, and hormonal regulation of
metabolic processes. Due to their wide assortment of organic functional groups,
the diverse molecular structures of lipids make them useful for tracing organic
matter sources, alterations and transport. Additionally, stable- and
radio-carbon isotopic compositions of individual lipid compounds provide a
powerful tool for identifying lipid sources and for following carbon flow
through ecosystems.
Sediment trap recovery in the Mediterranean as part of
MedFlux
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