Ashani Arulananthan completes doctoral degree at the University of Akureyri

Ashani Arulananthan defended her doctoral thesis in Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Akureyri on 7 October. Her thesis is entitled Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) meet Arctic and sub-Arctic marine diatoms and associated symbionts.

Ashani investigated the effects of PFAS on two marine diatom strains. These persistent contaminants have been detected in polar environments, among other regions. Diatoms play an important role in aquatic food webs, making it essential to understand how pollution affects them.

Effects are not always reflected in growth

The findings show that PFAS can inhibit diatom growth and disrupt photosynthesis. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations revealed molecular changes that growth measurements alone could not identify. The research provides a foundation for further studies into the effects of pollution on marine life.

From Sri Lanka to Akureyri

Originally from Sri Lanka, Ashani began her doctoral studies at UNAK in 2023. Her previous research included work on coral reefs and microplastics.

Her supervisors were Oddur Þór Vilhelmsson, Bettina Scholz and Margrét Auður Sigurbjörnsdóttir. The opponents were Peter G. Kroth from the University of Konstanz and Angela Wulff from the University of Gothenburg.

We warmly congratulate Ashani on her achievement and doctoral degree.