Dissertation
Microbial and functional diversity associated with hydrocarbon seeps in the tropical Timor Sea, Australia
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00225
Abstract
Natural hydrocarbon seeps emit large quantities of methane (a strong greenhouse gas) and petroleum hydrocarbons (potential pollutants) to vast areas of the tropical Timor Sea, Australia. Microorganisms capable of oxidizing methane and petroleum hydrocarbons are expected to play an essential role in seep associated ecosystems by reducing fluxes of methane gas to the atmosphere, degrading and therefore reducing the potential negative impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons on marine ecosystem function and biodiversity, and by contributing to local and ecosystem wide energy and carbon cycles. This thesis applied molecular methods to investigate the overall diversity of microbial communities within sediments of hydrocarbon seeps in the tropical Timor Sea and specifically focused on functional microbial populations involved in methane and petroleum hydrocarbon oxidation.
Details
- Title
- Microbial and functional diversity associated with hydrocarbon seeps in the tropical Timor Sea, Australia
- Authors
- Kenneth Wasmund
- Contributors
- D Ipek Kurtboke (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00225
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449464602621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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