Nutrient uptake and growth of vegetative and reproductive parts of thalli in Ascophyllum nodosum (Rockweed)

Ascophyllum is a perennial brown seaweed that is an important economic resource in eastern Canada in which hundreds of people are employed in the harvesting, processing and marketing of this alga. Growth of the vegetative parts of plants occurs mainly in the summer and fall, whereas growth and maturation of reproductive structures (i.e. receptacles) occurs mainly in the winter and spring. While the reproductive structure are photosynthetic, it is unclear the extent to which growth of these structures is based on nutrient uptake from the surrounding water and photosynthesis in the receptacles themselves, or if it is based on stored inorganic and organic nutrients in the vegetative thallus. The research will study these processes at the time of year when the receptacles are undergoing major growth.
This research will: (1) inform a previously unstudied aspect of the physiology and ecology of this important resource; (2) inform the potential of the species for bioremediation in coastal habitats of Nova Scotia; and (3) inform harvesting strategies based on a clearer picture of chemical composition of the plant.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Garbary

Student:

Partner:

Incheon National University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Aquaculture and Fishing; Environmental Science and Technology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

St. Francis Xavier University

Program: