The National Science Foundation Division of Environmental Biology awarded the University of Tennessee $1,454,878 on January 1, 2027, under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to fund research examining how temporal niche partitioning and urea utilization enable Microcystis to dominate harmful cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater systems.
The research combines laboratory experiments, field studies in Lake Erie, and advanced analyses of nutrient and energy use with AI-assisted predictive modeling to test the hypothesis that Microcystis gains competitive advantage by using urea—a nitrogen-rich agricultural runoff compound—not only as a nitrogen source but also to meet carbon demands. The investigators will assess how this metabolic process changes diurnally, how it affects competition with other algae, and whether it explains bloom persistence and intensification. Deliverables include improved understanding of bloom formation and environmental response mechanisms, better bloom forecasting and management approaches, advances in carbon-flow energetics with potential bioenergy applications, student training across multiple disciplines, and public engagement through citizen science and K–12 education.
Work is performed in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a period of performance from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029. The University of Tennessee, operating through its System Office, is the prime recipient and will deliver the research with its own faculty and staff.