(Dept. 1) Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry

The interactions within and between green water (in terrestrial systems) and blue water (lakes, rivers, and subsurface aquifers) affect in complex ways the habitats for organisms and the reactive transport of abiotic components. Aquatic and terrestrial systems are coupled at multiple spatio-temporal scales. The overall goal of the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry is to understand the ecohydrological and biogeochemical processes of these connected land- and waterscapes in natural, rural and urban environments. Therefore, our research projects focus on the following core topics:
- Interactions of landscape-freshwater ecosystems
- Physical and biogeochemical drivers under global change
- Water security in disturbed and urban systems
In our research, we integrate different modelling approaches with data collected in field studies, in large-scale manipulation studies, by long-term monitoring and in laboratory experiments. We study ecohydrological and biogeochemical processes using a variety of tracer techniques, particularly stable isotopes, and by measuring naturally dissolved solutes, conservative geogenic ions, trace organic matter, and nutrients. In doing so, we combine basic research with application aspects and aim to record and model the effects of climate and land use changes. With its laboratory infrastructure and expertise in the fields of inorganic and organic analysis as well as isotope measurement, the department performs a central function for the entire institute. To achieve our research goal, we combine our professional expertise from the research disciplines of hydrology, geochemistry, aquatic physics, ecology, environmental engineering, and geography.

Landscape Ecohydrology, Research group of Dörthe Tetzlaff, Graphic: Dörthe Tetzlaff / IGB

Ground Water-Surface Water Interactions, Research group of Jörg Lewandowski, Graphic: Jörg Lewandowski / IGB

Physical Limnology, Research group of Georgiy Kirillin, Graphic: Georgiy Kirillin / IGB

Organic Contaminants, Research group of Stephanie Spahr, Graphic: Stephanie Spahr / IGB

Ecohydraulics, Research group of Alexander Sukhodolov, Graphic: Alexander Sukhodolov / IGB

Ecohydrological Modelling and Hydrological Change, Research group of Doris Düthmann, Graphic: Doris Düthmann / IGB, Satellite / NASA

Nutrient Cycles and Chemical Analytics, Research group of Tobias Goldhammer, Graphic: Tobias Goldhammer / IGB

River System Modelling, Research group of Markus Venohr, Graphic: Markus Venohr / IGB

Biogeochemical Processes in Sediments and Lake Management, Research group of Michael Hupfer, Graphic: Michael Hupfer / IGB
Research groups
Department members
Selected publications
Environmental Science & Technology - XX(2023)XX, XX
Predicting PFAS and Hydrophilic Trace Organic Contaminant Transport in Black Carbon-Amended Engineered Media Filters for Improved Stormwater Runoff Treatment
Hydrophilic organic contaminants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are difficult to remove from stormwater runoff. A contaminant transport model was validated to better estimate the removal of contaminants in stormwater filtration systems.
Effects of 66 years of water management and hydroclimatic change on the urban hydrology and water quality of the Panke catchment, Berlin, Germany
The authors analysed a data set of 66-yr streamwater quality, 21-yr of groundwater quality and 31-yr streamflow nested from the heavily urbanized Panke catchment in Berlin. The upstream parts showed a flow regime most sensitive to changes in hydroclimatic conditions, downstream sites are more influenced by wastewater effluents, urban storm drains and inter-basin transfers for flood alleviation.
Attenuation of trace organic compounds along hyporheic flow paths in a lowland sandbed stream
As the hyporheic zone of rivers can be very heterogeneous already at cm-scales, the authors developed an experimental setup to preset short and shallow hyporheic flow paths in the field and to sample pore water. In this experimental setup, the authors were able to study the attenuation of 18 different trace organic compounds wherein the majority were attenuated within the short oxic sections.
Synoptic water isotope surveys to understand the hydrology of large intensively managed catchments
Using seasonal, large scale synoptic sampling of stable water isotopes and tritium along the Spree allowed to assess water cycling, storage and losses. The Spree is heavily regulated and drought-sensitive due to high evapotranspiration losses. Such insights are important to adjust water management strategies.
Quantifying changes and trends of NO3 concentrations and concentration-discharge relationships in a complex, heavily managed, drought-sensitive river system
Long-term stream nitrate nitrogen concentrations and concentration-discharge were investigated along the Spree revealing significant heterogeneity in both variables. The upstream parts and winter seasons showed the most serious pollution. Concentrations and relationships are also likely to respond strongly to future droughts, leading to challenges for future land and water management.