# EiR: Untangling the role of predatory bacteria and other micro-predators in marine systems: Discovery, Predation, Ecology and Interactions and Impact of Environmental Factors.

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL) · $999,932

## Abstract

Bacteria are the most numerous living organisms on Earth, without them life could not be sustained. Yet, if microbes were to grow out of control, they would cover the Earth’s surface with a thick layer of slime that would engulf and strangulate life forms. Fortunately, nature has incorporated factors to control microbial growth, including the function that predators of bacteria or micropredators perform. The most studied bacterial control mechanism are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, and protists that feed on bacteria by grazing. Another documented micropredators are the bacterial group Bdellovibrio, and like organisms, a group of bacteria that uniquely prey upon and kill other bacteria. However, little is known about their role. In the global ocean carbon cycle, dissolved organic matter (DOM) is released by higher organisms in the ocean and subsequently is taken up and utilized most efficiently by bacteria. These bacteria can subsequently be preyed upon by micropredators releasing the DOM back into the environment to serve as nutrients into the classic food web. This critical carbon cycling process can be impacted by environmental changes. Among the environmental changes that impact the carbon cycle are rising ocean temperatures, acidity, and eutrophication. The researchers will investigate the impact of these parameters on micropredators and microbial dynamics. The results will advance the understanding of the factors that impact micropredators, micropredation and th

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2503178
- **Awardee organization:** Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** W8LKB16HV1K5
- **PI:** Henry N Williams
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Translational Research
- **Estimated total:** $999,932
- **Funds obligated:** $999,932
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2503178

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2503178, EiR: Untangling the role of predatory bacteria and other micro-predators in marine systems: Discovery, Predation, Ecology and Interactions and Impact of Environmental Factors.. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2503178. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*