Using Fatty Acid Analysis to Understand the Carbon Cycle in Sub-Antarctic Regions

Lucía Bergagna (PhD Student, from Ushuaia – Argentina)


The focus of this secondment was to enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle in sub-Antarctic regions. Specifically, we worked on the Beagle Channel, a coastal area, and two non-coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Yaganes and Namuncurá – Banco Burdwood. To achieve this, we analyzed sediment samples to identify carbon sources through fatty acid analysis. Additionally, we examined phytoplankton, zooplankton, and tissues of benthic invertebrates to clarify and compare the food webs previously constructed using isotopic analysis.

Our primary aim is to elucidate the transfer of energy and carbon among living organisms and to evaluate sediment carbon from a Blue Carbon perspective. We seek to understand where and why sediments store more carbon. The next step in this research involves dating sediment carbon using Pb-210 analysis to distinguish between stored and sequestered carbon.

The University of Ghent (UGent) is a motivating institution, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to share this experience with three other Argentinian colleagues, making the learning and collaboration process even more enriching. Exploring the beautiful city of Ghent together was a lovely experience.

The MarBiol Lab at UGent is composed of enthusiastic researchers with whom we exchanged personal, cultural, and scientific ideas. This collaborative and multidisciplinary environment significantly enriched my secondment experience.