Abstract
Marine microorganisms are central to ocean ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, yet they remain underrepresented in climate change research and policy. Our metaproteomics studies go beyond taxonomy and genetics to examine protein expression, offering crucial insights into microbial functions and stress responses. This presentation highlights two case studies—oil spills and plastic pollution—demonstrating how molecular tools reveal microbial roles in environmental mitigation.In the first case, we investigate the Deepwater Horizon spill and the use of the dispersant Corexit® EC9500A. Our results provide the first molecular evidence that dispersants can induce greater microbial stress than oil alone within 24 hours. These findings refine bioremediation models and support more sustainable response strategies.
The second case addresses plastic pollution. We show how microbial colonisation of plastics, or the plastisphere, varies with climate and affects pollutant fate. By combining published and unpublished data, we demonstrate how metaproteomics captures functional microbial shifts, especially in key taxa such as photosynthetic and hydrocarbon-degrading groups.
Together, these studies underscore the value of metaproteomics in marine microbial ecology, helping to inform pollution mitigation and resilience strategies in a changing climate.