# Marine synthetic ecology: From microbial communities to ecosystems

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a framework for marine synthetic ecology to address environmental challenges using designed microbial communities.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the RDVEA model as a novel framework for marine synthetic ecology research and applications.

## Key findings

- The RDVEA model proposes a structured approach for designing and optimizing marine synthetic communities.
- Marine synthetic ecosystems could help with food web interactions and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- The framework aims to enhance carbon sequestration in future marine environments.

## Abstract

Marine ecosystems are vital for global ecological functions and human health but face escalating threats from both anthropogenic activities and global climate change. Marine microorganisms, comprising over two-thirds of the marine biomass, play essential roles in biogeochemical cycling of elements and food webs. Synthetic ecology aims to understand ecological theories and provide nature-based solutions to emerging ecological and environmental problems. Here, we first propose a framework, the resource-design-verification-evolution-application (RDVEA) model for marine synthetic ecology studies, aiming to understand marine ecological theories, design and construct marine-specific synthetic communities, and optimize their functionality toward marine environmental applications. Synthetic ecosystems may target food web interactions, greenhouse gas mitigation, and carbon sequestration enhancement in the future marine environment.

Environmental science; Ecology; Microbiology