Environmental Biology
The Environmental Biology Research Group at Essex addresses key global issues
including climate change, ocean acidification and sustainability in agriculture
and coastal ecosystems. It studies the interactions of microbes, animals and
plants with each other and with their environment working from the genetic and
cellular level through to whole organisms and ecosystems. The research includes
the responses of marine phytoplankton to ocean acidification, identification of
specialised microbes useful in rescuing environments polluted by petrochemicals,
the ecology and sustainability of agricultural and coastal ecosystems (salt
marshes, mangroves, coral reefs) and improvement of crop productivity under
drought and high light conditions. The Group engages with external
organisations, including industry, applying the results of its research to
maximize benefits to society.
Key Research Topics:
Members of the Environmental Microbiology
subgroup work closely with other members of the Department and collaborate with
industry and other research groups throughout the world in order to tackle
challenging global problems, such as pollution, eutrophication, sustainable
agriculture and global warming
The diversity of research projects carried out by the marine biology theme
reflects the variety of research skills within Environmental Biology and our
commitment to increase society’s understanding of how different marine species,
habitats and ecosystems function. Our wide ranging expertise capitalises on our
state of the art laboratory equipment, aquarium facilities, the coastal location
of the University, and a global network of field stations to provide high
quality training and international level research outputs.
Plant productivity is dependent upon efficient utilisation of environmental
resources, especially light and water. The group applies an integrative,
cross-scale approach, involving molecular genetic, biophysical, biochemical and
physiological techniques.
Our research group is principally involved in research on sustainable
agriculture including soil health, trace gas emission and carbon sequestration.
Associated Centres