The SGD Impacts on Microorganisms subgroup focuses on how submarine groundwater discharge shapes microbial communities and the biogeochemical processes they regulate across the land–ocean continuum. We are particularly interested in microorganisms as key mediators of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and trace gas cycling in connected systems linking groundwater, subterranean estuaries, sediments, and coastal waters. A unique highlight of the subgroup is its emphasis on interface environments, where freshwater–seawater mixing creates strong chemical gradients that influence microbial diversity, metabolism, and ecosystem functioning. As a working group, we aim to advance this topic through collaborative exchange, comparative studies, synthesis efforts, and joint discussions across sites and disciplines. We also seek to collaborate with other groups in the initiative to link microbial SGD processes with broader coastal, ocean, and groundwater questions of regional and global relevance.
Members
Clara Ruiz-Gonzalez
Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM‑CSIC)
Yongyu Zhang
Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
ᅟᅠ
Bongkeun Song
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Subgroup Chair
Keren Yanuka‑Golub
The Galilee Society