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Activities

February 2025
MACGNET’S FINAL INTERNAL WORKSHOP

We recently held the final interdisciplinary workshop of MACGNET at the ICM-CSIC in Barcelona, where we shared the latest results from our ongoing projects on coastal groundwater and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Over two days, we explored the different sampling sites, scientific questions, and research approaches, engaging in lively discussions about diverse topics.

The workshop aimed to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue, ensuring a thorough interpretation and contextualization of each dataset while maximizing the scientific impact of our findings. It also provided a platform to identify new opportunities for collaboration and future research. Judging by the enthusiasm and synergy among participants, it’s clear that the momentum sparked by MACGNET will continue for many years to come!

January 2025
DIGGING INTO THE SMALL-SCALE VARIABILITY OF COASTAL GROUNDWATER

In the framework of projects MUCHO-GUSTO (PID2022-140862OB-C22) and PATCHI (CNS2023-144233), we have conducted an intensive sampling to explore the small-scale chemical and microbial variability of coastal groundwaters at the Aiguadolç beach (Sitges, Barcelona). Using piezometers (which allow extracting porewater) and seepage meters (to estimate discharge rates and sample discharging groundwater), we have collected a large number of samples which will be used to characterize this system.

The combination of physico-chemical and microbial measurements, together with the quantification of SGD through direct and indirect approaches will help us gain insight into the microbial and geochemical complexity of coastal groundwater ecosystems, essential to better estimate SGD-chemical fluxes.

December 2024
CHARACTERIZING GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE IN MONTENEGRO

In the framework of the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2024-2025 (42 C/5), researchers from the Grup de Recerca en Radioactivitat Ambiental (GRAB, UAB), Univ. Politécnica de Cartagena and the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor (Montenegro), conducted a sampling campaign in Kotor Bay. The effort aimed to expand understanding of SGD on the Mediterranean Sea, and to characterize the coastal aquifer feeding groundwater to the bay.

The team collected seawater and groundwater from springs to analyze radium isotopes, radon, nutrients, and other dissolved compounds like metals, mercury, and emerging contaminants. This data will help quantify SGD in the bay and the solutes it delivers with it, as well as improve management of coastal aquifers. These aquifers face growing threats from pollution, overuse, and climate change, pressures that are particularly severe in the Mediterranean region. 

October 2024
IMPACT OF SUBMARINE GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE ON MERCURY CYCLING IN COASTAL WATERS

The project MIMOA (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-101106387), led by Céline D. Lavergne and Andrea G. Bravo, aims to determine the role of SGD on mercury cycling in coastal waters by combining microbial, chemical, and educative dimensions. In coastal groundwater, oxygen depletion may modify the microbial biogeochemical processes, hence modulating the chemical speciation of mercury and its export to coastal seawater through SGD.

Measuring mercury in coastal groundwaters, we aim to provide the first estimation of mercury loads through SGD to the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, a highly anthropized ecosystem. We have also collected water and sediments to evaluate the rates of microbial mercury transformations . We will soon analyze these samples hoping to elucidate the role of microbes and SGD on the mercury cycle in coastal marine environments.

August 2024
SEDIMENTS AND GROUNDWATER AS SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS TO THE SEA

During the last sampling of the WINDERS project (TED2021-130710B-I00), led by Valentí Rodellas, we have explored the impact of sediment resuspension as a source of nutrients to the Mar Menor coastal lagoon. This hypersaline lagoon is a highly anthropized system that experiences severe eutrophication episodes due to excessive nutrient inputs. Although previous studies have quantified the nutrient contributions from submarine groundwater discharge to the lagoon, there appears to additional nutrient sources that remain unaccounted for.

We hypothesize that summer winds induce sediment resuspension, releasing nutrients and contaminants into the water column. To test this, we collected and analyzed sediment samples, and explored their nutrient and contaminant content, and their microorganisms. Our goal is to better understand the quality and potential impacts of the released elements on this vulnerable system.

July 2024
SEARCHING FOR ULTRAMICROBACTERIA IN COASTAL GROUNDWATERS

As part of the MINIOM project (PID2022-142480NB-I00), we have been collecting groundwater samples across the Mar Menor coastal lagoon shoreline. Our focus is on a unique group of microorganisms known as Patescibacteria. These Patescibacteria, often referred to as ultramicrobacteria due to their extremely small size, represent a highly diverse but poorly known group. Although they can be quite abundant in coastal groundwater, much about them remains a mystery.
To investigate these microorganisms, we have utilized manual piezometers to extract groundwater from various sites along the lagoon shore. Through the application of advanced genomic techniques and microscopy, we aim to thoroughly characterize these ultramicrobacteria and gain insight into their roles and significance within coastal groundwater ecosystems.

May 2024
Final workshop of the MICROSUB project in Barcelona

The MICROSUB project, led by Pep Gasol, is coming to an end and we just had the final meeting, which took place in Barcelona! We convened at the ICM-CSIC to discuss the outcomes and progress made in exploring coastal aquifers from Cíes, Timanfaya, and Cabrera, belonging to three different Spanish National Parks.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights, and exchanging data gathered throughout the execution of MICROSUB. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to summarize the achievements of the project and to chart the course for future research plans and publications. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their contributions and collaborative efforts. Stay tuned for further updates on the exciting discoveries deriving from the MICROSUB Project!

April 2024
MACGNET’s first interdisciplinary workshop

The ICM-CSIC hosted the first interdisciplinary workshop of MACGNET, where members from across the network gathered in Barcelona during two days of knowledge exchange and collaboration. The workshop provided a platform for researchers to introduce themselves, share their work, discuss techniques, and delve into the coastal aquifers we are studying.
The goal of the workshop was to foster multidisciplinary understanding among MACGNET members and promote new collaborations and synergies. Through a series of brief presentations about the different disciplines and engaging discussions, participants gained insights into the diverse research areas related to the study of coastal aquifers and explored opportunities for future collaboration. More activities coming soon!

March 2024
Exploring the responses of marine microbiota to groundwater inputs

One of the key objectives of the INTEGROUNDS project (TED2021-130020B-C21/C22), led by Pepe Salgado and Eva Teira, is to explore the ecological consequences of SGD. To achieve this, we conducted a series of experiments where varying proportions of groundwater were mixed with seawater from the Ría de Vigo. By monitoring the growth, activity, and diversity of marine microorganisms, we aimed to understand their responses to different groundwater inputs, particularly in relation to its chemical composition.

Preliminary findings indicate that marine phytoplankton and, to a lesser extent, bacteria, show an increase in abundance proportional to the amount of groundwater added. This response also varies depending on groundwater inorganic nutrients. We will also explore which microorganisms are favored by SGD, providing insights into the ecological implications of this globally significant hydrological process.

November 2023
Final meeting of the OPAL project

We are approaching the final stages of the OPAL project (PID2019-110311RB-C21), led by Jordi Garcia-Orellana and Valentí Rodellas, which aims to study the main pathways that bring solutes (nutrients, metals, contaminants) from human activities into the Mar Menor and their consequences for the biogeochemical cycles of the lagoon.
The “Pathways” subproject team, focused on investigating solute transfer to the lagoon and its possible implications for the microbiota, as well as the historical evolution of the ecosystem, has met to review all the work done and to share the data we have obtained so far. We hope to be able to share the results with you soon!