The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

From Monoculture to Global Ocean: Synergistic Microbial Interactions Drive Production of Recalcitrant Dissolved Organic Carbon
ID:1160 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 09:15 (China Standard Time)

Session: Session 78 - Bidirectional Effects of Algae on Carbon Sequestration and Methane Production Under Global Change

Abstract
Carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) constitute a major fraction of marine refractory dissolved organic matter (RDOM). The role of specific microbial interactions in generating this recalcitrant pool remains underexplored. Here, we conducted a 90-day rigorously controlled laboratory experiments for characterizing dissolved organic carbon produced by coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa huxleyi, bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi, and their co-culture. Compared to either monocultures, the co-culture produced substantially more diverse and complex CRAM, including 479 unique formulas enriched in higher molecular weight and lower heteroatom content. These co-culture derived molecules are widely distributed throughout the water column and contributed to 30.9% CRAM detected in marine environments. Our results provide molecular-level evidence that even a simplified bacteria-phytoplankton system can substantially amplify the production and persistence of RDOM. Despite the far greater complexity of natural microbial networks, this minimal interaction framework reveals a fundamental mechanistic link between microbial partnerships and long term ocean carbon storage.
 
Speaker
Yan Liang The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Author
Yan Liang The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027