Professor Graham Underwood
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Email
gjcu@essex.ac.uk -
Telephone
+44 (0) 1206 873337
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Location
3SW.5.33A, Colchester Campus
Profile
Biography
I am a marine and freshwater biologist, particularly interested in the interactions between microbes (algae - mainly diatoms, and bacteria), dissolved organic matter (DOC, DOM), nutrient cycling, biogeochemistry, and responses to environmental pressures (climate change, pollution). My research interests range from microbial diversity and function, primary production and organic carbon fluxes, through to whole catchment functioning, natural capital and ecosystem services, and approaches to seascape restoration. My research is mainly based in the U.K., but I have also carried out research in Baltic, Mediterranean and South African environments, tropical systems in the Indo-pacific and the Bahamas, and in Antarctic and Arctic sea ice, and high latitude lakes (Greenland). Biofilms: consist of many algal species in a structured mucilage matrix. They play fundamental roles in fixing carbon, utilising nutrients, interacting with bacterial processes, stabilising sediments and providing food for invertebrates and fish. An underpinning aspect of my group's research concerns the integration of activities of individual cells and species with the overall properties of biofilms. Just how important are species composition and species-species interactions in determining biofilm ecology?
Appointments
University of Essex
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Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Health, University of Essex (2013 - 2019)
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Acting Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Health, University of Essex, 2024 - 2025, University of Essex (1/8/2024 - 31/7/2025)
Other academic
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Professor, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex (1992 - present)
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Senior Fellow, Zukunftkolleg, University of Konstanz (1/7/2021 - present)
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Chair, NERC Research Committee, Natural Environment Research Council (1/11/2019 - 31/12/2022)
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Chair, UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (1/3/2023 - 31/3/2025)
Research and professional activities
Research interests
Microalgae (diatom) biofilm ecology and physiology
Estuarine ecology and functioning (fish, shellfish and invertebrates)
sea ice microbiology and organic carbon cycling
The ecology of microphytobenthos (benthic microalgae) in coastal ecosystems,
Current research
Salt marsh and estuarine ecology,looking at marsh fragmentation, food resources and habitat use
The importance of water quality and environmental factors in the ecology of , and management measures to enhance, the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of coastal seascapes.
Ecology of microalgal biofilms
Managed realignment, saltmarsh restoration and rising sea levels
Conferences and presentations
Jan 2019 Thin films of Life, and the challenges of changing environments.
Keynote presentation, British Phycological Society, Presidential lecture., Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom, 5/1/2020
Oct 2019 – Invited speaker. Local impact of climate change on coastal areas.
Invited presentation, Environmental Agency Regional Flood and Coastal Committee RFCC symposium. Norwich, Norwich, 1/10/2019
Oct 2017 – Invited speaker. Understanding the value of natural capital on our coast and estuaries
Invited presentation, Suffolk Coast Forum Annual conference, 1/11/2017
Invited speaker. Carbon fluxes in microalgal biofilms: the flows through dissolved organic matter and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
Brit. Phyc. Soc. Annual Meeting, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor, United Kingdom, 5/1/2017
Nov. 2013. Invited speaker.
DOM in freshwater and coastal systems, International workshop, Finland, Tvarminne Zoological Station,, Helsinki, Finland, 1/11/2013
August 2012. Plenary Speaker. International Diatom Symposium, Ghent, Belgium.
Ghent, Belgium, 2012
Jun 2011 Plenary speaker. International Symposium on the trophic significant of MPB biofilms. La Rochelle, France.
La Rochelle, France, 2011
Jan 2011 British Phycologcial Society, invited lecture. Special session Algae in estuaries
2011
Sept 2010 Plenary Lecturer: Coastal Diatoms indicators or just opportunists. All at Sea? - synergies between past and present coastal processes & ecology, 9-10th Sept 2010, University of Loughborough. U.K.
Loughborough, United Kingdom, 2010
Sept 2009. Society of General Microbiology, Herriot Watt, Scotland. Invited Lecture, Polar Microbiology HW14. Exopolymer (EPS) production by diatoms in sea ice.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2009
July 2007. European Phycological Congress, Oviedo, Spain. Invited lecture: Response of diatoms to light and salinity stress.
Oviedo, Spain, 2007
April 2006 North East Algal Symposium, New York, USA Plenary speaker,. Biofilms.
New York, United States, 2006
June 2005 American Society for Limnology and Oceanography meeting, Santiago, Spain, June 19-24. Invited keynote speaker, special session Biogeochemistry of tidal flats.June 2005,
Santiago, Spain, 2005
April 2005 European Geophysical Union Congress, Vienna, 25-29th April 2005. Invited keynote speaker in a special Biofilms session, co-organised by the biogeochemistry section of the EGU and the International Society for Microbial Ecology. Cell-specific activity, photosynthesis and exopolymer dynamics in transient marine diatom biofilms.
Vienna, Austria, 2005
Aug 2003, Invited speaker, Microphytobenthos functioning colloquium, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Teaching and supervision
Current teaching responsibilities
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Professional skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists (BS257)
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Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Field Module (Assessed in Following Year) (BS417)
Current supervision
Previous supervision
Degree subject: Environmental Biology
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 3/11/2020
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 4/2/2019
Degree subject: Microbiology
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 2/1/2018
Degree subject: Biological Sciences
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 27/6/2017
Degree subject: Biological Sciences
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 1/6/2017
Degree subject: Biological Sciences
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 16/5/2016
Degree subject: Environmental Sciences
Degree type: Master of Science (by Dissertation)
Awarded date: 24/1/2011
Publications
Journal articles (113)
Lapointe, A., Kocademir, M., Bergman, P., Ragupathy, IC., Laumann, M., Underwood, GJC., Zumbusch, A., Spiteller, D. and Kroth, PG., (2024). Characterization of polyphosphate dynamics in the widespread freshwater diatom Achnanthidium minutissimum under varying phosphorus supplies.. Journal of Phycology. 60 (3), 624-638
Slee, NJD., Gardiner, T. and Underwood, GJC., (2023). Hybrid engineering incorporating salt marsh terraces into sea wall repair maintains their defence function and creates new habitats. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 294, 108544-108544
Ye, N., Han, W., Toseland, A., Wang, Y., Fan, X., Xu, D., van Oosterhout, C., Aslam, SN., Barry, K., Beszteri, B., Brussaard, C., Clum, A., Copeland, A., Daum, C., Duncan, A., Eloe-Fadrosh, E., Fong, A., Foster, B., Foster, B., Ginzburg, M., Huntemann, M., Ivanova, NN., Kyrpides, NC., Martin, K., Moulton, V., Mukherjee, S., Palaniappan, K., Reddy, TBK., Roux, S., Schmidt, K., Strauss, J., Timmermans, K., Tringe, SG., Underwood, GJC., Valentin, KU., van de Poll, WH., Varghese, N., Grigoriev, IV., Tagliabue, A., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y., Ma, J., Qiu, H., Li, Y., Zhang, X. and Mock, T., (2022). The role of zinc in the adaptive evolution of polar phytoplankton. Nature Ecology & Evolution. 6 (7), 965-978
Clark, DR., Underwood, GJC., McGenity, TJ. and Dumbrell, AJ., (2021). What drives study-dependent differences in distance–decay relationships of microbial communities?. Global Ecology and Biogeography. 30 (4), 811-825
Redzuan, NS. and Underwood, GJC., (2021). The importance of weather and tides on the resuspension and deposition of microphytobenthos (MPB) on intertidal mudflats. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 251, 107190-107190
Allison, S., Hardy, M., Hayward, K., Cameron, TC. and Underwood, GJC., (2020). Strongholds of Ostrea edulis populations in estuaries in Essex, SE England and their association with traditional oyster aquaculture: evidence to support a MPA designation. The Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 100 (1), 27-36
Legge, O., Johnson, M., Hicks, N., Jickells, T., Diesing, M., Aldridge, J., Andrews, J., Artioli, Y., Bakker, DCE., Burrows, MT., Carr, N., Cripps, G., Felgate, SL., Fernand, L., Greenwood, N., Hartman, S., Kröger, S., Lessin, G., Mahaffey, C., Mayor, DJ., Parker, R., Queirós, AM., Shutler, JD., Silva, T., Stahl, H., Tinker, J., Underwood, GJC., Van Der Molen, J., Wakelin, S., Weston, K. and Williamson, P., (2020). Carbon on the Northwest European Shelf: Contemporary Budget and Future Influences. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7
Redzuan, NS. and Underwood, GJC., (2020). Movement of microphytobenthos and sediment between mudflats and salt marsh during spring tides. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7
Passarelli, C., Cui, X., Valsami-Jones, E. and Underwood, GJC., (2020). Environmental context determines the impact of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles on the functioning of intertidal microalgal biofilms. Environmental Science: Nano. 7 (10), 3020-3035
Booty, JM., Underwood, GJC., Parris, A., Davies, RG. and Tolhurst, TJ., (2020). Shorebirds Affect Ecosystem Functioning on an Intertidal Mudflat. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7
Booty, JM., Underwood, GJC., Parris, A., Davies, RG. and Tolhurst, TJ., (2020). Corrigendum: Shorebirds Affect Ecosystem Functioning on an Intertidal Mudflat. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7
Underwood, G., Michel, C., Meisterhans, G., Niemi, A., Belzile, C., Witt, M., Dumbrell, AJ. and Koch, BP., (2019). Organic matter from Artic sea ice loss alters bacterial community structure and function. Nature Climate Change. 9 (2), 170-176
Alzarhani, AK., Clark, DR., Underwood, GJC., Ford, H., Cotton, TEA. and Dumbrell, A., (2019). Are Drivers of Root-Associated Fungal Community Structure Context Specific?. ISME Journal. 13 (5), 1330-1344
Aslam, SN., Strauss, J., Thomas, DN., Mock, T. and Underwood, GJC., (2018). Identifying metabolic pathways for production of extracellular polymeric substances by the diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus inhabiting sea ice. The ISME Journal. 12 (5), 1237-1251
Cousins, LJ., Cousins, MS., Gardiner, T. and Underwood, GJC., (2017). Factors influencing the initial establishment of salt marsh vegetation on engineered sea wall terraces in south east England. Ocean and Coastal Management. 143, 96-104
Bohórquez, J., McGenity, TJ., Papaspyrou, S., García-Robledo, E., Corzo, A. and Underwood, GJC., (2017). Different Types of Diatom-Derived Extracellular Polymeric Substances Drive Changes in Heterotrophic Bacterial Communities from Intertidal Sediments. Frontiers in Microbiology. 8 (245), 245-
Clark, DR., Mathieu, M., Mourot, L., Underwood, GJC., Dufossé, L., Dumbrell, AJ. and McGenity, TJ., (2017). Biogeography at the limits of life: Do extremophilic microbial communities show biogeographical regionalization?. Global Ecology and Biogeography. 26 (12), 1435-1446
Osburn, CL., Anderson, NJ., Stedmon, CA., Giles, ME., Whiteford, EJ., McGenity, TJ., Dumbrell, AJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2017). Shifts in the Source and Composition of Dissolved Organic Matter in Southwest Greenland Lakes Along a Regional Hydro-climatic Gradient. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 122 (12), 3431-3445
Aslam, SN., Dumbrell, AJ., Sabir, JS., Mutwakil, MHZ., Baeshen, MMN., Abo‐Aba, SEM., Clark, DR., Yates, SA., Baeshen, NA., Underwood, GJC. and McGenity, TJ., (2016). Soil compartment is a major determinant of the impact of simulated rainfall on desert microbiota. Environmental Microbiology. 18 (12), 5048-5062
Aslam, SN., Michel, C., Niemi, A. and Underwood, GJC., (2016). Patterns and drivers of carbohydrate budgets in ice algal assemblages from first year
McMellor, S. and Underwood, GJC., (2014). Water policy effectiveness: 30Years of change in the hypernutrified Colne estuary, England. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 81 (1), 200-209
Steele, DJ., Franklin, DJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2014). Protection of cells from salinity stress by extracellular polymeric substances in diatom biofilms. Biofouling. 30 (8), 987-998
Van Colen, C., Underwood, GJC., Serôdio, J. and Paterson, DM., (2014). Ecology of intertidal microbial biofilms: Mechanisms, patterns and future research needs. Journal of Sea Research. 92, 2-5
Poulin, M., Underwood, GJC. and Michel, C., (2014). Sub-ice colonial Melosira arctica in Arctic first-year ice. Diatom Research. 29 (2), 213-221
Cousins, LJ., McMellor, S., Underwood, GJC. and Hepburn, LJ., (2014). Offsetting: moving towards an evidence-based metric for biodiversity assessment. In Practice. 83, 24-27
(2014). Underwood, Prof. Graham James Charles, (born 31 March 1964), Professor of Marine and Freshwater Biology, since 2004, and Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Health, since 2013, University of Essex
McKew, BA., Dumbrell, AJ., Taylor, JD., McGenity, TJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2013). Differences between aerobic and anaerobic degradation of microphytobenthic biofilm-derived organic matter within intertidal sediments. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 84 (3), 495-509
Chronopoulou, P., Fahy, A., Coulon, F., Païssé, S., Goñi‐Urriza, M., Peperzak, L., Acuña Alvarez, L., McKew, BA., Lawson, T., Timmis, KN., Duran, R., Underwood, GJC. and McGenity, TJ., (2013). Impact of a simulated oil spill on benthic phototrophs and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria in mudflat mesocosms. Environmental Microbiology. 15 (1), 242-252
Taylor, JD., McKew, BA., Kuhl, A., McGenity, TJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2013). Microphytobenthic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in intertidal sediments fuel both generalist and specialist EPS-degrading bacteria. Limnology and Oceanography. 58 (4), 1463-1480
Underwood, GJC., Aslam, SN., Michel, C., Niemi, A., Norman, L., Meiners, KM., Laybourn-Parry, J., Paterson, H. and Thomas, DN., (2013). Broad-scale predictability of carbohydrates and exopolymers in Antarctic and Arctic sea ice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 110 (39), 15734-15739
Müller, S., Vähätalo, AV., Stedmon, CA., Granskog, MA., Norman, L., Aslam, SN., Underwood, GJC., Dieckmann, GS. and Thomas, DN., (2013). Selective incorporation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during sea ice formation. Marine Chemistry. 155, 148-157
Coulon, F., Chronopoulou, P-M., Fahy, A., Païssé, S., Goñi-Urriza, M., Peperzak, L., Acuña Alvarez, L., McKew, BA., Brussaard, CPD., Underwood, GJC., Timmis, KN., Duran, R. and McGenity, TJ., (2012). Central Role of Dynamic Tidal Biofilms Dominated by Aerobic Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria and Diatoms in the Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons in Coastal Mudflats. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 78 (10), 3638-3648
Green, BC., Smith, DJ., Grey, J. and Underwood, GJC., (2012). High site fidelity and low site connectivity in temperate salt marsh fish populations: a stable isotope approach. Oecologia. 168 (1), 245-255
Aslam, SN., Cresswell‐Maynard, T., Thomas, DN. and Underwood, GJC., (2012). Production and Characterization of the Intra‐ and Extracellular Carbohydrates and Polymeric Substances (EPS) of Three Sea‐Ice Diatom Species, and Evidence for a Cryoprotective Role for EPS. Journal of Phycology. 48 (6), 1494-1509
McLachlan, DH., Underwood, GJC., Taylor, AR. and Brownlee, C., (2012). CALCIUM RELEASE FROM INTRACELLULAR STORES IS NECESSARY FOR THE PHOTOPHOBIC RESPONSE IN THE BENTHIC DIATOM NAVICULA PERMINUTA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1. Journal of Phycology. 48 (3), 675-681
Green, BC., Smith, DJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2012). Habitat connectivity and spatial complexity differentially affect mangrove and salt marsh fish assemblages. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 466, 177-192
Aslam, SN., Underwood, GJC., Kaartokallio, H., Norman, L., Autio, R., Fischer, M., Kuosa, H., Dieckmann, GS. and Thomas, DN., (2012). Dissolved extracellular polymeric substances (dEPS) dynamics and bacterial growth during sea ice formation in an ice tank study. Polar Biology. 35 (5), 661-676
Suphan, S., Peerapornpisal, Y. and Underwood, GJC., (2012). Benthic diatoms of Mekong River and its tributaries in northern and north-eastern Thailand and their application to water quality monitoring. Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology. 6 (1), 28-46
McKew, BA., Taylor, JD., McGenity, TJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2011). Resistance and resilience of benthic biofilm communities from a temperate saltmarsh to desiccation and rewetting. The ISME Journal. 5 (1), 30-41
Waring, J., Klenell, M., Bechtold, U., Underwood, GJC. and Baker, NR., (2010). LIGHT‐INDUCED RESPONSES OF OXYGEN PHOTOREDUCTION, REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION AND SCAVENGING IN TWO DIATOM SPECIES1. Journal of Phycology. 46 (6), 1206-1217
Underwood, GJC., (2010). Microphytobenthos and phytoplankton in the Severn estuary, UK: Present situation and possible consequences of a tidal energy barrage. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 61 (1-3), 83-91
Hinojosa-Garro, D., Mason, CF. and Underwood, GJC., (2010). Influence of macrophyte spatial architecture on periphyton and macroinvertebrate community structure in shallow water bodies under contrasting land management. Fundamental and Applied Limnology. 177 (1), 19-37
Underwood, GJC., Fietz, S., Papadimitriou, S., Thomas, DN. and Dieckmann, GS., (2010). Distribution and composition of dissolved extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in Antarctic sea ice. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 404, 1-19
Chin, JP., Megaw, J., Magill, CL., Nowotarski, K., Williams, JP., Bhaganna, P., Linton, M., Patterson, MF., Underwood, GJC., Mswaka, AY. and Hallsworth, JE., (2010). Solutes determine the temperature windows for microbial survival and growth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 107 (17), 7835-7840
Underwood, GJC., (2010). Microphytobenthos and phytoplankton in the Severn estuary, UK: Present situation and possible consequences of a tidal energy barrage. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 61 (1-3, S), 83-91
McLachlan, DH., Brownlee, C., Taylor, AR., Geider, RJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2009). LIGHT‐INDUCED MOTILE RESPONSES OF THE ESTUARINE BENTHIC DIATOMS NAVICULA PERMINUTA AND CYLINDROTHECA CLOSTERIUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1. Journal of Phycology. 45 (3), 592-599
Green, BC., Smith, DJ., Earley, SE., Hepburn, LJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2009). Seasonal changes in community composition and trophic structure of fish populations of five salt marshes along the Essex coastline, United Kingdom. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 85 (2), 247-256
Hofmann, T., Hanlon, ARM., Taylor, JD., Ball, AS., Osborn, AM. and Underwood, GJC., (2009). Dynamics and compositional changes in extracellular carbohydrates in estuarine sediments during degradation. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 379, 45-58
Bellinger, BJ., Underwood, GJC., Ziegler, SE. and Gretz, MR., (2009). Significance of diatom-derived polymers in carbon flow dynamics within estuarine biofilms determined through isotopic enrichment. Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 55 (2), 169-187
Apoya-Horton, MD., Underwood, GJC. and Gretz, MR., (2009). Probing The Relationship Between Movement Modalities In Cylindrotheca Closterium (Bacillariophyceae): Effects Of Osmotic Shock And Cytoskeletal And Metabolic Inhibitors On Movement. Journal of Phycology. 45, creators-Underwood=3AGraham_J_C=3A=3A
Hinojosa-Garro, D., Mason, CF. and Underwood, GJC., (2008). Macrophyte assemblages in ditches of coastal marshes in relation to land-use, salinity and water quality. Fundamental and Applied Limnology. 172 (4), 325-337
WARING, JEN., BAKER, NR. and UNDERWOOD, GJC., (2007). Responses of estuarine intertidal microphytobenthic algal assemblages to enhanced ultraviolet B radiation. Global Change Biology. 13 (7), 1398-1413
Haynes, K., Hofmann, TA., Smith, CJ., Ball, AS., Underwood, GJC. and Osborn, AM., (2007). Diatom-Derived Carbohydrates as Factors Affecting Bacterial Community Composition in Estuarine Sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 73 (19), 6112-6124
Thornton, DCO., Dong, LF., Underwood, GJC. and Nedwell, DB., (2007). Sedimentwater inorganic nutrient exchange and nitrogen budgets in the Colne Estuary, UK. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 337, 63-77
Nizzoli, D., Bartoli, M., Cooper, M., Welsh, DT., Underwood, GJC. and Viaroli, P., (2007). Implications for oxygen, nutrient fluxes and denitrification rates during the early stage of sediment colonisation by the polychaete Nereis spp. in four estuaries. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 75 (1-2), 125-134
WARING, JEN., UNDERWOOD, GJC. and BAKER, NR., (2006). Impact of elevated UV‐B radiation on photosynthetic electron transport, primary productivity and carbon allocation in estuarine epipelic diatoms. Plant, Cell & Environment. 29 (4), 521-534
Hanlon, ARM., Bellinger, B., Haynes, K., Xiao, G., Hofmann, TA., Gretz, MR., Ball, AS., Osborn, AM. and Underwood, GJC., (2006). Dynamics of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production and loss in an estuarine, diatom-dominated, microalgal biofilm over a tidal emersio-immersion period. Limnology and Oceanography. 51 (1), 79-93
Abdullahi, AS., Underwood, GJC. and Gretz, MR., (2006). EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX ASSEMBLY IN DIATOMS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE). V. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON POLYSACCHARIDE SYNTHESIS IN THE MODEL DIATOM, PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM1. Journal of Phycology. 42 (2), 363-378
Schuwerack, P-MM., Jones, PW., Underwood, GJC. and Barnes, RSK., (2006). Gender and Species Differences in Sentinel Crabs (Macrophthalmus) Feeding on an Indonesian Mudflat. Journal of Crustacean Biology. 26 (2), 119-123
Apoya‐Horton, MD., Yin, L., Underwood, GJC. and Gretz, MR., (2006). MOVEMENT MODALITIES AND RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES OF THE MUDFLAT DIATOM CYLINDROTHECA CLOSTERIUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1. Journal of Phycology. 42 (2), 379-390
Hanlon, ARM., Bellinger, B., Haynes, K., Xiao, G., Hofmann, TA., Gretz, MR., Ball, AS., Osborn, AM. and Underwood, GJC., (2006). Dynamics of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production and loss in an estuarine, diatom-dominated, microalgal biofilm over a tidal emersion-immersion period. Limnology and Oceanography. 51 (1 I), 79-93
Underwood, GJC., Perkins, RG., Consalvey, MC., Hanlon, ARM., Oxborough, K., Baker, NR. and Paterson, DM., (2005). Patterns in microphytobenthic primary productivity: Species‐specific variation inmigratory rhythms and photosynthetic efficiency in mixed‐species biofilms. Limnology and Oceanography. 50 (3), 755-767
Bellinger, BJ., Abdullahi, AS., Gretz, MR. and Underwood, GJC., (2005). Biofilm polymers: relationship between carbohydrate biopolymers from estuarine mudflats and unialgal cultures of benthic diatoms. Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 38 (2), 169-180
Consalvey, M., Perkins, RG., Paterson, DM. and Underwood, GJC., (2005). PAM FLUORESCENCE: A BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR BENTHIC DIATOMISTS. Diatom Research. 20 (1), 1-22
Underwood, GJC., Boulcott, M., Raines, CA. and Waldron, K., (2004). ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON EXOPOLYMER PRODUCTION BY MARINE BENTHIC DIATOMS: DYNAMICS, CHANGES IN COMPOSITION, AND PATHWAYS OF PRODUCTION1. Journal of Phycology. 40 (2), 293-304
Consalvey, M., Paterson, DM. and Underwood, GJC., (2004). THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE IN A BENTHIC BIOFILM: MIGRATION OF BENTHIC DIATOMS. Diatom Research. 19 (2), 181-202
Consalvey, M., Jesus, B., Perkins, RG., Brotas, V., Underwood, GJC. and Paterson, DM., (2004). Monitoring Migration and Measuring Biomass in Benthic Biofilms: The Effects of Dark/far-red Adaptation and Vertical Migration on Fluorescence Measurements. Photosynthesis Research. 81 (1), 91-101
Mason, CF., Underwood, GJC., Baker, NR., Davey, PA., Davidson, I., Hanlon, A., Long, SP., Oxborough, K., Paterson, DM. and Watson, A., (2003). The role of herbicides in the erosion of salt marshes in eastern England. Environmental Pollution. 122 (1), 41-49
Underwood, GJC. and Paterson, DM., (2003). The importance of extracellular carbohydrate productionby marine epipelic diatoms. Advances in Botanical Research. 40, 183-240
Nedwell, DB., Sage, AS. and Underwood, GJC., (2002). Rapid assessment of macro algal cover on intertidal sediments in a nutrified estuary. Science of The Total Environment. 285 (1-3), 97-105
Dong, LF., Nedwell, DB., Underwood, GJC., Thornton, DCO. and Rusmana, I., (2002). Nitrous Oxide Formation in the Colne Estuary, England: the Central Role of Nitrite. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 68 (3), 1240-1249
Nedwell, DB., Dong, LF., Sage, A. and Underwood, GJC., (2002). Variations of the Nutrients Loads to the Mainland U.K. Estuaries: Correlation with Catchment Areas, Urbanization and Coastal Eutrophication. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 54 (6), 951-970
Perkins, RG. and Underwood, GJC., (2002). Partial recovery of a eutrophic reservoir through managed phosphorus limitation and unmanaged macrophyte growth. Hydrobiologia. 481 (1/3), 75-87
UNDERWOOD, GJC., (2002). Adaptations of tropical marine microphytobenthic assemblages along a gradient of light and nutrient availability in Suva Lagoon, Fiji. European Journal of Phycology. 37 (3), 449-462
Kocum, E., Underwood, GJC. and Nedwell, DB., (2002). Simultaneous measurement of phytoplanktonic primary production, nutrient and light availability along a turbid, eutrophic UK east coast estuary (the Colne Estuary). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 231, 1-12
Perkins, RG., Oxborough, K., Hanlon, ARM., Underwood, GJC. and Baker, NR., (2002). Can chlorophyll fluorescence be used to estimate the rate of photosynthetic electron transport within microphytobenthic biofilms?. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 228, 47-56
Thornton, DCO., Dong, LF., Underwood, GJC. and Nedwell, DB., (2002). Factors affecting microphytobenthic biomass, species composition and production in the Colne Estuary (UK). Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 27 (3), 285-300
Kocum, E., Nedwell, DB. and Underwood, GJC., (2002). Regulation of phytoplankton primary production along a hypernutrified estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 231, 13-22
Perkins, RG. and Underwood, GJC., (2001). The potential for phosphorus release across the sediment–water interface in an eutrophic reservoir dosed with ferric sulphate. Water Research. 35 (6), 1399-1406
Perkins, RG., Underwood, GJC., Brotas, V., Snow, GC., Jesus, B. and Ribeiro, L., (2001). Responses of microphytobenthos to light: primary production and carbohydrate allocation over an emersion period. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 223, 101-112
Smith, DJ. and Underwood, GJC., (2000). The production of extracellular carbohydrates by estuarine benthic diatoms: the effects of growth phase and light and dark treatment. Journal of Phycology. 36 (2), 321-333
Dong, LF., Thornton, DCO., Nedwell, DB. and Underwood, GJC., (2000). Denitrification in sediments of the River Colne estuary, England. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 203, 109-122
Oxborough, K., Hanlon, ARM., Underwood, GJC. and Baker, NR., (2000). In vivo estimation of the photosystem II photochemical efficiency of individual microphytobenthic cells using high‐resolution imaging of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Limnology and Oceanography. 45 (6), 1420-1425
Perkins, R., (2000). Gradients of chlorophyll a and water chemistry along an eutrophic reservoir with determination of the limiting nutrient by in situ nutrient addition. Water Research. 34 (3), 713-724
Underwood, G. and Provot, L., (2000). Determining the environmental preferences of four estuarine epipelic diatom taxa: growth across a range of salinity, nitrate and ammonium conditions. European Journal of Phycology. 35 (2), 173-182
Wulff, A., Wängberg, SK., Sundbäck, K., Nilsson, C. and Underwood, GJC., (2000). Effects of UVB radiation on a marine microphytobenthic community growing on a sand‐substratum under different nutrient conditions. Limnology and Oceanography. 45 (5), 1144-1152
(2000). Gradients of chlorophyll a and water chemistry along an eutrophic reservoir with determination of the limiting nutrient by in situ nutrient addition. R.G. Perkins and G.J.C. Underwood. [Water Research 1999; 34(3), 713–724]. Water Research. 34 (14), 3690-3690
Perkins, RG. and Underwood, GJC., (2000). Gradients of chlorophyll a and water chemistry along an eutrophic reservoir with determination of the limiting nutrient by in situ nutrient addition (vol 34, pg 713, 1999). WATER RESEARCH. 34 (14), 3690-3690
UNDERWOOD, GJC. and PROVOT, L., (2000). Determining the environmental preferences of four estuarine epipelic diatom taxa: growth across a range of salinity, nitrate and ammonium conditions. European Journal of Phycology. 35 (2), 173-182
Thornton, DCO., Underwood, GJC. and Nedwell, DB., (1999). Effect of illumination and emersion period on the exchange of ammonium across the estuarine sediment-water interface. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 184, 11-20
Underwood, GJC., Nilsson, C., Sundbäck, K. and Wulff, A., (1999). SHORT‐TERM EFFECTS OF UVB RADIATION ON CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE, BIOMASS, PIGMENTS, AND CARBOHYDRATE FRACTIONS IN A BENTHIC DIATOM MAT. Journal of Phycology. 35 (4), 656-666
Underwood, GJC. and Kromkamp, J., (1999). Primary Production by Phytoplankton and Microphytobenthos in Estuaries. ADVANCES IN ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH, VOL 29. 29 (C), 93-153
Underwood, GJC. and Smith, DJ., (1998). Predicting Epipelic Diatom Exopolymer Concentrations in Intertidal Sediments from Sediment Chlorophyll a. Microbial Ecology. 35 (2), 116-125
Smith, DJ. and Underwood, GJC., (1998). Exopolymer production by intertidal epipelic diatoms. Limnology and Oceanography. 43 (7), 1578-1591
Underwood, G., Phillips, J. and Saunders, K., (1998). Distribution of estuarine benthic diatom species along salinity and nutrient gradients. European Journal of Phycology. 33 (2), 173-183
Underwood, GJC. and Smith, DJ., (1998). In situ measurements of exopolymer production by intertidal epipelic diatom-dominated biofilms in the Humber estuary. Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 139 (1), 125-134
Ellison, JC., (1998). Natural history of Bramble Cay, Torres Strait. Atoll Research Bulletin. 455 (567), 1-31
UNDERWOOD, GJC., PHILLIPS, J. and SAUNDERS, K., (1998). Distribution of estuarine benthic diatom species along salinity and nutrient gradients. European Journal of Phycology. 33 (2), 173-183
Sterrenburg, FAS. and Underwood, GJC., (1997). Studies on the genera Gyrosigma and Pleurosigma (Bacillariophyceae). The marine "Gyrosigma spenceri" records: Gyrosigma limosum Sterrenburg et Underwood nov. sp.. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 148, 165-169
Underwood, GJC., (1997). Microalgal Colonization in a Saltmarsh Restoration Scheme. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 44 (4), 471-481
Underwood, GJC., Paterson, DM. and Parkes, RJ., (1995). The measurement of microbial carbohydrate exopolymers from intertidal sediments. Limnology and Oceanography. 40 (7), 1243-1253
Underwood, GJC. and Yallop, ML., (1994). NAVICULA PARGEMINASP. NOV.—A SMALL EPIPELIC SPECIES FROM THE SEVERN ESTUARY, U.K.. Diatom Research. 9 (2), 473-478
Underwood, GJC., (1994). SEASONAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN EPIPELIC DIATOM ASSEMBLAGES IN THE SEVERN ESTUARY. Diatom Research. 9 (2), 451-472
Underwood, GJC. and Paterson, DM., (1993). Recovery of intertidal benthic diatoms after biocide treatment and associated sediment dynamics. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 73 (1), 25-45
Underwood, GJC. and Paterson, DM., (1993). Seasonal changes in diatom biomass, sediment stability and biogenic stabilization in the Severn Estuary. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 73 (4), 871-887
UNDERWOOD, GJC. and PATERSON, DM., (1993). RECOVERY OF INTERTIDAL BENTHIC DIATOMS AFTER BIOCIDE TREATMENT AND ASSOCIATED SEDIMENT DYNAMICS. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. 73 (1), 25-45
UNDERWOOD, GJC. and PATERSON, DM., (1993). SEASONAL-CHANGES IN DIATOM BIOMASS, SEDIMENT STABILITY AND BIOGENIC STABILIZATION IN THE SEVERN ESTUARY. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. 73 (4), 871-887
Underwood, GJC., Thomas, JD. and Baker, JH., (1992). An experimental investigation of interactions in snail-macrophyte-epiphyte systems. Oecologia. 91 (4), 587-595
Paterson, DM. and Underwood, GJC., (1992). The mudflat ecosystem and epipelic diatoms. The coast of Avon, 74-82
Underwood, GJC., (1991). Note: Colonization and invasion of leaves of the aquatic macrophyteCeratophyllum demersum L. by epiphytic bacteria. Microbial Ecology. 21 (1), 267-275
UNDERWOOD, GJC., (1991). Growth enhancement of the macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum in the presence of the snail Planorbis planorbis: the effect of grazing and chemical conditioning. Freshwater Biology. 26 (2), 325-334
Underwood, GJC. and Baker, JH., (1991). The effect of various aquatic bacteria on the growth and senescence of duckweed (Lemna minor). Journal of Applied Bacteriology. 70 (3), 192-196
UNDERWOOD, GJC. and THOMAS, JD., (1990). Grazing interactions between pulmonate snails and epiphytic algae and bacteria. Freshwater Biology. 23 (3), 505-522
Book chapters (4)
Underwood, G., (2024). Extracellular Polymeric Substance Production by Benthic Pennate Diatoms. In: Diatom Photosynthesis: From High Value Molecules to Primary Production. Editors: Goessling, J., Serôdio, J. and Lavaud, J., . Wiley-Scrivener. 9781119842088
Underwood, GJC., Dumbrell, AJ., McGenity, TJ., McKew, BA. and Whitby, C., (2022). The Microbiome of Coastal Sediments. In: The Marine Microbiome. Editors: Stal, LJ. and Cretoiu, MS., . Springer International Publishing. 479- 534. 9783030903824
Nedwell, DB., Underwood, GJC., McGenity, TJ., Whitby, C. and Dumbrell, AJ., (2016). The Colne Estuary. In: Advances in Ecological Research. Elsevier. 227- 281. 978-0-08-100935-2
Underwood, GJC., (2001). Microphytobenthos. In: Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences. Elsevier. 807- 814. 9780123744739
Conferences (3)
LWarren, S., Mckew, BA., Whitby, C. and Underwood, GJC., (2015). LIGHT AND DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON DRIVE INTERACTIONS WITHIN RIVER MICROPHYTOBENTHIC COMMUNITIES
Underwood, GJC. and Aslam, SN., (2015). ADAPTATION OF DIATOM EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE (EPS) PRODUCTION IN RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE AND SALINITY STRESS IN SEA ICE ENVIRONMENTS
Paterson, DM., Perkins, R., Consalvey, M. and Underwood, GJC., (2003). Ecosystem function, cell micro-cycling and the structure of transient biofilms.
Grants and funding
2024
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project. Western sandpiper follow-up program technical input
Vancouver Frazer Port Authority
Study of Salt Marsh Restoration Approaches
NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Advancing Resilience and Innovation for Sustainability in the East of England
Economic and Social Research Council
Blackwater Colne Estuaries Natural Capital Assessment
Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs
MSD Salt Marsh Restoration in the Stour and Orwell estuaries
Harwich Haven Authority
2023
Engaging with communities in Jaywick around issues of climate change
INSTAR
To assess the potential for restoration of saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster beds at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay NNR
EXO Environmental Ltd
REWilding and restoration inteRtIdal sedimenT Ecosystem for carbon sequestration, climate adaptation and biodiversity support
European Commission
2022
Re-Embrace: Restoring Estuarine Ecosystems for Mitigation to Build Resilience Against Coastal Climate Change Effects
University of Essex (CPPE)
Seascapes: the evidence and vision for a joined up approach to coastal habitat restoration
NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
2021
Investigating the role of light and endogenous rhythms on the motility behaviour of benthic diatoms
Universit�t Konstanz (Funder)
KE Fellowship: Resilient and productive sustainable coastlines
Natural Environment Research Council
2020
EMBRACE - Ecosystem Management: Building Resilience and Adaptability to Coastal Climate Change Effects
University of Essex (GCRF)
Understanding microalgal biofilm contributions to sediment �blue carbon� in contrasting salt marsh habitats in the U.S. and Europe
The Royal Society
EPStromNet - Extant Peritidal Stromatolite Network
Natural Environment Research Council
Substrate-mediated interactions between diatoms and bacteria in marine biofilms
FWO Flanders
Ecosystem Management: Building Resilience and Adaptability to Coastal Climate Change Effects
Economic and Social Research Council
2018
Suffolk Marine Pioneer - Deben salt marsh status
Suffolk County Council
2016
NanoBioCar - Impacts of Nanoparticles on microphytobenthic Biofilms and consequences on the Carbon cycle
European Commission (H2020)
2014
Colne Estuary Partnership Conference
Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners
Data Synthesis and Management of Marine and Coastal Carbon
Natural Environment Research Council
The Role of Lateral Exchange in Modulating the Seaward Flux of C.N.P
Natural Environment Research Council
2013
Salt Marsh Berm Surveys
Environment Agency
2012
A hierarchical approach to the examination of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem
Natural Environment Research Council
The Role of Lateral Echange in Modulating the Seaward Flux of CNP
Natural Environment Research Council
The key role of DOM in regulating microbial diversity, community structure and
Natural Environment Research Council
2011
Environmental meta-genomics and biotechnology of Rhazya
King Abdulaziz University
WFD status in TraC waters..
Environment Agency
2010
Colne Estuary Partnerships
Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners
2009
Research Support for the CEP
Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners
2008
Lobster Feeding Project
Colchester Oyster Fisheries