MicroMeth: Methane production by microphytobenthos and its contribution to the benthic methane flux from the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea
This project investigates the formation and release of the greenhouse gas methane by benthic diatoms in the coastal area of the Baltic Sea. For this purpose, experimental work is carried out on clonal cultures as well as field studies at various coastal locations.
UVision - Exploring the potential of secondary metabolites from marine resources for UV protection of the human eye
In this Austrian-German joint project, marine UV sun protection compounds are being investigated as possible protective substances for the human eye from different scientific perspectives.
CLiPA: Climate-friendly offshore production of algal biomass
This project investigates whether and how bladderwrack can be grown on the bases of offshore wind turbines. The project aims to achieve dual use of offshore wind turbines already built in the Baltic Sea. Bladderwrack removes nutrients from the Baltic Sea as it grows, and the biomass is intended to be used for cosmetic raw materials, as a biogas substrate and as a mineral-rich fertilizer substitute in agriculture.
Baltic TRANSCOAST - Microphytobenthic primary production
Microphytobenthic primary production and DOC exudation/mineralization are quantitatively measured along a coastal peatland-shallow water gradient. Its influence by terrestrial compounds, hydrodynamic parameters and sediment transport is assessed in order to address the biogeochemical C cycle in the shallow water zone.
DAM pilot mission
Trawling has a strong influence on the nature, substance fluxes and organism communities in and on the seabed. With the proposed exclusion of Natura 2000 areas from bottom-to-bottom fishing, the influence of the lack of trawling in the Baltic Sea can be examined for the first time and comprehensively. The focus in our working group lies on the diversity of the microphytobenthos.
The pilot missions, which are carried out in close cooperation with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), are part of the research mission “Protection and Sustainable Use of Marine Areas” of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM).
Biodiversity and biogeography of marine benthic diatoms from polar regions
In Antarctic and Arctic marine ecosystems, especially microorganisms and their biodiversity and function in food webs are not well studied, as are the mechanisms, that influence their spatial and temporal distribution. This project is part of the German Research Foundatin (DFG)-funded Priority Porgram "Antarctic Reseach) and focusses on the biodiversity and biography of benthic diatoms in coastal soft sediments.
Ecological role of fungal parasites on benthic diatoms of polar coastal waters
Parasitism was recently identified as ecologically very successful and probably the most common biotic interaction and and nutrition in the world ocean’s pelagic zone. However, respective studies on polar benthic diatoms are lacking. We aim to address this lack of information in a PhD project in the framework of the German Research Council (DFG)- funded Priority Program 1158 "Antarctic Research".
Soil Crusts: Gene expression in biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus in biological soil crusts of sand dunes of the Baltic Sea
The sand dunes of the Baltic Sea are a dynamic and ecologically challenging location and offer a unique habitat for the settlement of biological soil crusts. These are communities of bacteria, cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens and fungi. Because of their impact on primary production, the enrichment of the dunes with organic compounds, their role in the nutrient and water cycle and the stabilization of the top soil layer, biocrusts are known as so-called “ecosystem engineers”. However, the growth-limiting element phosphorus and in particular the molecular biological processes within the phosphorus cycle in biocrusts have hardly been investigated.
Developement of a BIObased Infiltration Hampering Stratum as a cover and renaturation of potash tailings piles (BioIHS)
The production sites of the potash industry bring with them various environmental problems, which this project aims to reduce, in particular by reducing the amount of water in the dump. For this purpose, a novel surface covering based on biocrusts is being developed and validated.
Integrated approaches to address taxonomic problems in the Prasiolaceae (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Members of the green algal family Prasiolacae are found particularly in nutrient-rich habitats along the sea coasts and inland in temperate and polar regions. As an integral part of cryptogamic covers, they exhibit unique ecological traits, however, many aspectes of their biology are still unknown. This project aims to clarify taxonomic problems within the family and thus to facilitate future studies of these ecologically important primary producers.
Seasonal kelp primary production at a rocky shore site: Integrating physiology and biochemistry into ecological modelling
The DFG funded project aims to investigate submarine kelp forests (Laminaria hyperborea) along a rocky coast site (Helgoland) with regard to their carbon input. So far, primary production can only be roughly projected due to the limited number of datasets. Furthermore, the effect of ocean warming on primary production will be investigated. The seasonal changes in primary production and carbon budget will be analysed with a combination of different physiological and biochemical methods. The gathered data will be combined with already existing data to develop a kelp primary production model for rocky shore habitats.
DuneCrust - Terrestrial diatoms in biological soil crusts from coastal sand dunes: assessment of their biodiversity and ecological function
Dunes are the first line of physical defense against the sea at many natural coasts. This project aims to enhance the fundamental understanding of ecosystem functioning conducted by terrestrial diatoms in coastal dune biocrusts under the influence of human impact. This study will also clarify whether terrestrial diatoms can be used as bioindicators for disturbance of coastal sand dunes.
Crustfunction III – Land use as driver for structure and function of biological soil crusts
Biocrusts are pioneering colonizers on free soils and in temperate areas, especially where disturbances occur that are either of natural origin (burrows of game, root plates due to wind breakage, erosion) or are anthropogenic (cultivation with machines). In CRUSTFUNCTION III, defects in the forest caused by clear cutting are examined for the growth and development of biocrusts, as well as their influence on the processes in connection with the material cycles of N and P.