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

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

Greenhouse gas dynamics in floodplain landscapes under hydrological stress

Floodplain landscapes are globally significant sources of methane to the atmosphere. This project assesses how the duration and frequency of flooding affects the processes that regulate the production, consumption, and emission of this potent greenhouse gas from local to global scales.

Funding: DFG (as part of the Research Training Group Systemlink), 2022 - 2025

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

Project homepage

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

Biogeochemical hot moments upon flow resumption and coupled sediment transport: A comprehensive approach for temporary and perennial stream ecosystems

The project shall clarify the mechanisms that modulate streambed biogeochemistry (Carbon metabolism and Nitrogen uptake by the microbial community) upon flow resumption after following different chronologies of flow resumption with and without sediment transport.

Funding: DFG , 2022 - 2024