By: Sahiti Namburu School: Terra Linda High School
Mycology is a part of biology that focuses mainly on fungi, as well as some mushroom and yeast. Bouwman’s research centers on lichens, which is a result of a symbiotic relationship between fungus and alga/cyanobacteria, and functions like a single unit. They can thrive in harsh environments and come in many different shapes and forms. A major theme of his talk included carbon sequestration - a process that captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While past methods, such as iron seeding (adding iron into oceans to stimulate algae growth), have shown limited effect, Bouwman’s work explores how using lichen could provide an alternate yet sustainable/successful way to store carbon.
1. What first inspired you to study mycology, and was there a specific experience that further expanded your interest in this field?
I actually became a mycologist on accident, I was more interested in molecular biology and carbon sequestration and after a lot of research in the field I found that Fungi are a novel use for carbon sequestration.
2. What part of your current research do you think has the greatest potential to influence how we understand and combat climate change in the future?
I am actively researching how Fungi are involved in making large biomass particles. Examining differences between different fungi biological makeup and their propensity to sink. I also examine how algae and fungi interact and the evolutionary path of lichens
3. Nutrient cycling is an essential process in ecosystems where elements like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and more are renewed back into the environment. What is the most common type of decomposer fungi in ecosystems, and what role do they play in nutrient cycling?
Fungi are key for waste recycling, the most common type of fungi is dependent on the ecosystem. They are essential for breaking down materials. They are usually breaking down complex molecules into simple ones that can be utilized by primary producers, recycling the nutrients.
4. Carbon sequestration is a method to capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to reduce the effects of climate change. What are the ecological risks or unintended consequences of large-scale algae growth in the ocean, especially when it’s used for carbon sequestration?
There are many theories for what mass growth of algae in the open ocean will do, primarily with losing biodiversity. It is incredibly important to study algae cultivation at a small and reversible scale before mass adoption so that negative side effects can be minimized.
5. In your talk, you mentioned iron seeding as a proposed method for ocean-based carbon sequestration that has shown limited success. How does your research on lichens offer a different or a more effective approach to long-term carbon storage?
In my talk I discuss fungi as the next step in this process by potentially promoting downward carbon flux. This idea has not been examined yet so it remains to be determined if it will be successful. This is my primary research.
Personal Reflection: Attending this Marin Science Seminar deepened my understanding of how fungi contribute to environmental sustainability. Before the talk, I thought of fungi mainly as decomposers, and I never realized they could be used to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Learning about lichens and the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae made it especially interesting to see how these organisms could play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration. The comparison between iron seeding and lichen-based approaches highlighted the importance of using natural systems that already function effectively. Overall, the seminar increased my curiosity about how overlooked organisms can offer innovative solutions to major environmental challenges.
Learn more about the Marin Science Seminar here: https://marinscienceseminar.com/
Additional Information about Fungi and Taren Bouwman: https://marinscienceseminar.com/fantastic-fungi-uses-for-environmental-sustainability-and-carbon-sequestration/
