Igor Fernandez-Urruzola

As a biological oceanographer I am interested in the marine plankton ecophysiology and how the remineralization processes in the pelagic realm regulate the carbon export to the ocean interior. During my career I have conducted several studies aiming to elucidate the impact of environmental and biotic factors on key metabolic traits of marine plankton, and calculated the attenuation of particulate organic matter flux with depth in contrasting marine ecosystems. I also gained expertise on using the compound specific isotope analyses to track trophic interactions between predators and prey to better understand the carbon flow through the food webs. Currently, my project is focused on deciphering the sources and sedimentation patterns of particulate organic matter contributing to the detrital pool and community metabolism in the Atacama Trench environment, as well as to address biological connectivity across hadal settings.
During my research visit at the SDU, I will conduct a comprehensive experiment in collaboration with Prof. Ronnie Glud and Dr. Peter Stief to evaluate the potential impact of increasing pressure on both the respiratory enzyme activities and the physiological rates of piezofilic and non-piezofilic bacteria and how this may affect the remineralization of the organic matter in the oceanic water column.
When I’m not at work, you could find me either taking pictures or hiking in the mountains with my family (or both!).