My research centers on water quality and how that affects microalgal communities (phytoplankton, periphyton, epiphytes etc.). Within this context and beyond, I study photosynthetic and accessory pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, scytonemins, phycobilins). Pigment-based chemotaxonomy, the use of taxon-specific biomarkers to discern community structure and dynamics, is the main thrust of my research as well. Lately, I have been very involved in studying phosphorus pollution of south Florida waters from the overuse of equestrian waste in agri-businesses. Global climate change, especially rising carbon dioxide levels, is also studied as it impacts microalgal communities in both marine (“ocean acidification”) and fresh waters.
