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PhD students Nosipho Hlalukana and Mayibongwe Buthelezi conducted pioneering research in Antarctica, exploring how marine microbes influence climate change and seeking biotechnologically relevant compounds in the Southern Ocean.

Left: Mayibongwe Buthelezi on the Antarctic Ice Shelf.
Right: Nosipho Hlalukana at the South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) base.

Nosipho and Mayibongwe, two PhD students in the African Microbiome Group, recently embarked on separate research voyages to Antarctica. Nosipho traveled aboard the South African Agulhas II, while Mayibongwe joined the German Polarstern. Their missions, part of research programs on climate change and marine microbiomes, focused on understanding microbial communities in the Southern Ocean.

Oceans play a key role in absorbing CO2, with microbial communities driving vital biogeochemical cycles. However, climate change is altering ocean chemistry, with potential consequences for food webs and planetary health. The Southern Ocean, a crucial link between global ocean systems, is essential for studying these changes.

Nosipho and Mayibongwe collected seawater and sea ice samples to address critical scientific questions. MayibongweÂ’s research examines volatile gases released by microbes in sea ice, exploring how melting ice may contribute to climate feedback loops. Nosipho studies microbial diversity in productive ocean zones, seeking bioactive compounds with potential biotechnological applications.

Despite bouts of seasickness, both completed successful expeditions, collecting valuable samples not only for their own studies but also for several other masterÂ’s and PhD projects. Their research adds to the growing understanding of microbial life in the Southern Ocean and its role in global climate systems.

News date: 2025-04-03

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