Dr Cecilia Pascelli1, MS Martina Zucchi1, Dr Luke Thomas1
1Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, Australia
Biography:
Cecilia Pascelli is a marine biologist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, where she focuses on seaweed ecology and the role of macroalgae in carbon sequestration. She holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from James Cook University, where her research explored the contributions of viruses to the ecology of marine sponges. Cecilia completed postdoctoral research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, concentrating on seaweed-microbial interactions to enhance coastal productivity, mitigate methane emissions from livestock, and investigate nature-based solutions for prawn farm effluent.
Cecilia has extensive experience in marine ecology, virology, and microbiology, having investigated coral reef ecosystems in Australia Brazil and Saudi Arabia. Her research includes isolating microorganisms from coral reef organisms, analyzing the diversity of viruses associated with marine species, and assessing the conservation status of marine parks. With expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, her work aims to advance our understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics and their contributions to climate change mitigation.
Skilled in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and project management, Cecilia is passionate about leveraging innovative marine science to address the challenges of climate change through her ongoing research efforts, particularly in understanding how macroalgae contribute to carbon storage and enhance the health of coastal ecosystems.
Abstract:
Understanding the contributions of macroalgae to soil profiles is crucial for enhancing carbon sequestration in marine environments, particularly in the context of Blue Carbon initiatives. This study focuses on the role of macroalgae in carbon burial and sequestration within sediments of western Australia’s coastal ecosystems. Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples were collected from soil and water around Port Hedland and Exmouth Gulf, targeting both inshore and offshore regions.
To determine the efficacy of various DNA extraction techniques and primers, we utilized the Mobio Power Soil Kit, the Blood and Tissue Kit, and distinct primer sets (18S V4, 18S V7, and RbcL) to maximize macroalgae retrieval from samples. Additionally, we are refining techniques to optimize the quantification of Sargassum eDNA in marine sediments using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach, enabling accurate assessments of its contribution to carbon sequestration.
Preliminary results indicate substantial differences in extraction efficiency and amplification success among methods, directly influencing our ability to quantify macroalgae contributions to carbon sequestration. Through this optimized approach, we aim to elucidate how macroalgae, particularly species like Sargassum, contribute to effective carbon storage beneath coastal seascapes. This research provides critical insights into the role of marine vegetation in mitigating climate change impacts and supports conservation efforts in vulnerable marine environments. Our work is an essential step toward understanding and enhancing the natural processes that sequester carbon in our oceans, aligning with the objectives of the Blue Carbon Seascapes project.