Linking Variability in Cell Motility to HAB Formation by Heterosigma akashiwo
Daniel Grünbaum and Rachel Bearon, School of Oceanography, University of Washington
R/B-43
The harmful biological and societal effects of the toxic alga Heterosigma akashiwo are based on overall population levels and how these populations are distributed. This project will explore H. akashiwo’s swimming behaviors in a variety of environmental conditions. Researchers will also study those facets of the alga’s environment that are most likely to encourage active swimming versus passive transport through flowing water. This information will be incorporated into models for predicting how H. akashiwo congregates and what environmental repercussions such congregations may have.
For more information, please contact Daniel Grünbaum, grunbaum@u.washington.edu.