Microbial ecology - IM
Microbial ecology focuses on the study of microorganisms-such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and plankton-and their complex interactions with the environment and other organisms within ecosystems.
Microorganisms are key components in the functioning of ecosystems: they play crucial roles in major biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus). These processes include degradation of organic matter, production of new biomass and recycling of elements essential for life.
A key aspect of microbial ecology is the analysis of both the beneficial roles of microorganisms-such as purifying water, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting biodiversity-and their negative effects, such as the spread of pathogens or impact on vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Overall, microbial ecology explores the "invisible world" that sustains life on Earth, contributing to a better understanding and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Our research focuses on three main themes:
Microorganisms are key components in the functioning of ecosystems: they play crucial roles in major biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus). These processes include degradation of organic matter, production of new biomass and recycling of elements essential for life.
A key aspect of microbial ecology is the analysis of both the beneficial roles of microorganisms-such as purifying water, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting biodiversity-and their negative effects, such as the spread of pathogens or impact on vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Overall, microbial ecology explores the "invisible world" that sustains life on Earth, contributing to a better understanding and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Our research focuses on three main themes:
- Biogeochemical cycles: we study the role of microorganisms in the transformation and recycling processes of substances, with a focus on the carbon and sulfur cycle.
- Interactions and evolution of microbial communities: we explore how microorganisms interact with each other and with other organisms, investigating the evolutionary processes that structure these relationships.
- Biodiversity: we monitor and study microbial diversity and its impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Microbial ecology focuses on the study of microorganisms-such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and plankton-and their complex interactions with the environment and other organisms within ecosystems.
Microorganisms are key components in the functioning of ecosystems: they play crucial roles in major biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus). These processes include degradation of organic matter, production of new biomass and recycling of elements essential for life.
A key aspect of microbial ecology is the analysis of both the beneficial roles of microorganisms-such as purifying water, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting biodiversity-and their negative effects, such as the spread of pathogens or impact on vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Overall, microbial ecology explores the "invisible world" that sustains life on Earth, contributing to a better understanding and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Microorganisms are key components in the functioning of ecosystems: they play crucial roles in major biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus). These processes include degradation of organic matter, production of new biomass and recycling of elements essential for life.
A key aspect of microbial ecology is the analysis of both the beneficial roles of microorganisms-such as purifying water, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting biodiversity-and their negative effects, such as the spread of pathogens or impact on vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Overall, microbial ecology explores the "invisible world" that sustains life on Earth, contributing to a better understanding and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Our research focuses on three main themes:
-
Biogeochemical cycles
We study the role of microorganisms in the transformation and recycling processes of substances, with a focus on the carbon and sulfur cycle.
-
Interactions and evolution of microbial communities
We explore how microorganisms interact with each other and with other organisms, investigating the evolutionary processes that structure these relationships.
-
Biodiversity
We monitor and study microbial diversity and its impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Anoxic aquatic systems
The meromictic Lake Cadagno, a unique ecosystem in the world, offers an extraordinary opportunity for research.
Due to its permanent stratification, the lake has a primitive anoxic layer (modern analogue) at the bottom, where light penetrates to an oxygen-free but sulfide-rich zone. This environment supports the growth of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, ancestral organisms that use light and sulfur compounds to produce energy, without the need for oxygen.
Biodiversity and functional ecology
The biodiversity and functional ecology group’s projects study human impacts on biodiversity and the functioning of freshwater ecosystems. These projects aim to enhance the understanding and conservation of poorly studied organism groups.
Alpine microbial ecology
The Piora Valley region offers a unique natural stage for the study and dissemination of ecology in alpine environments. Indeed, thanks to the ongoing collaboration with the Alpine Biology Center Piora (CBA), it is possible to monitor and analyze the ecology of lakes, streams, and peat bogs using modern tools available in its laboratories.