Research Projects

arbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) are three main biogeochemical cycles that govern all lives on this planet. C:N:P stoichiometry is the most fundamental concept in ocean biogeochemistry, of which we have limited understanding in the northern Indian Ocean, particularly vis-à-vis factors controlling this stoichiometry. Our main objective is to understand the role of nutrient stoichiometry on phytoplankton stoichiometry or vice-versa. We will further explore the role of environmental factors on C:N:P stoichiometry. We will collect seawater samples in the northern Indian Ocean, and will analyse these for their C, N and P content in dissolved inorganic, organic and particulate organic forms using auto-analyzer and TOC/TN analyser. We will further use sorter flow cytometer to isolate picoplankton communities for estimating C, N and P content in different species. IRMS will be used to estimate C and N isotopic composition of sorted cells. Obtained results will provide us a better understanding of biogeochemistry of the under-sampled northern Indian Ocean. All the data will be put on open archive after its peer reviewed publications and will be provided to any researcher after two years of completion of project. We require around 42 lakhs ₹ and ship time for completion of the project.