HYPRO
Investigation of the effects of stressors on the processing of organic substances in HYporheic PROcessing using stable isotope labeling
Main research questions:
- What is the role of organic matter in the hyporheic zone for aquatic food webs?
- Is the role modified as a consequence of (anthropogenic) stressors?
- How do stressors alter the production of greenhouse gas emissions from sediment-associated organic matter?
Stress effects on organic matter processing have been prevalently assessed above the sediment-water interface. This is surprising as a large(r) fraction of organic matter is buried in the sediment (i.e., hyporheic zone). Physico-chemical conditions in the hyporheic zone generally reduce organic matter processing rates with the production of the potent greenhouse gas methane being a relevant scenario. How stressors alter these processes and how organic matter in the hyporheic zone is utilized in the aquatic environment is the ultimate aim of this project.
Thesis offered to master students or RPC?
Interested in the topic? Please reach out! We will offer several interesting thesis topics in the context of this project. Please contact:
Eric Bollinger, eric.bollinger(at)rptu.de
or