Current Research Projects
Physics of Ponds
Physical Limnology of Ponds
Small lentic aquatic ecosystems, often referred to as ponds, make up the majority of the world’s lakes by number. They play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycling and are hotspots of biodiversity. This project aims to improve the mechanistic understanding of physical processes in ponds by investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of water temperature and its role in the generation of density-driven flows and mixing from diel to seasonal time scales. The project is expected to yield novel quantitative insights into the physical processes in pond ecosystems that can support physical habitat characterization in ecological assessments, inform biogeochemical models, and guide the design of constructed ponds.
Funding. DFG, 2025 - 2028
SprayDrift
High-resolution modeling of pesticide exposure in small water bodies after precision application
This project explores how digital technologies and advanced application techniques can improve the precision of pesticide use in agriculture. By modeling pesticide drift and runoff at high spatial resolutions, the research aims to enhance environmental risk assessments under real-world conditions. The project uses an innovative spray drift model to simulate the movement of pesticides through air and water across agricultural landscapes. Conducted as part of a broader BASF research initiative, it supports the development of regulatory strategies that account for precision application methods and diverse landscape features.
Funding. BASF, 2025
StreamNitrate
Scaling of biochemical and hydraulic controls on nitrate uptake and removal in streams
Nitrate pollution is a global threat to coastal marine and freshwater ecosystems. Here, we are investigating the processes that control nitrate removal in medium-sized streams. Specifically, we will analyze the role of stream hydraulics and bed morphology as important, yet comparably unexplored controls.
Funding: DFG , 2024 - 2027
SunLake
Modelling the release, dispersion and fate of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide from sunscreen products in recreational lakes
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO2) represent an increasing threat for aquatic ecosystems due to their persistence and the direct release from sunscreens in recreational waters during the bathing season. To improve our understanding of the transport and fate of n-TiO2 released from sunscreen in recreational lakes, we will develop a reactive transport model based on current knowledge, extended using targeted laboratory experiments, and validated using field data.
(in cooperation with the Enviromental & Soil Chemistry lab at RPTU)
Funding: DFG, 2024 - 2027
RESTOLINK
Quantifying restoration success across biomes by linking biodiversity, multifunctionality and hydromorphological heterogeneity
The overall aim of RESTOLINK is to advance a novel mechanistic framework for quantifying stream restoration success that interlinks hydromorphological heterogeneity at relevant spatial scales with multi-group biodiversity and essential ecosystem functions. Our framework will advise managers to select the most effective restoration measure at ecologically relevant scales.
Funding: Biodiversa+, 2022-2025
PeriCarb-EFA
Effects of extreme flow changes on periphyton biofilm and carbon cycling in Alpine streams
Alpine streams are important contributors of inland water carbon and changes that occur in alpine streams can profoundly alter downstream reaches affecting the
global carbon budget and in turn exacerbate climate impact in the future. This project aims at understanding how periphyton biofilms community composition changes due to extreme flow change events and the reduction in the recovery time for the microbial community between events. It will link biofilm changes in community composition to changes in carbon cycling and in greenhouse emissions.
Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship to Dr. Flavia Tromboni, 2023 - 2025
