(Dept. 3) Plankton and Microbial Ecology

Research in the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology on the shores of Lake Stechlin centres on impacts of global environmental change on inland waters. Consequences on the biodiversity and functioning of plankton communities in lakes receive particular attention. This includes investigations into the dynamics, activities and interactions of bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton and fungi. Field experiments, especially in a large outdoor facility dubbed the LakeLab in Lake Stechlin, are a hallmark of research in the department. Other essential elements are the analysis of long-term data, laboratory experiments and the development of ecological models and new methods to analyse plankton communities. We use the knowledge gained in theses studies to devise concepts and methods that foster the protection and sustainable management of inland waters in the face of ongoing environmental change.

Contact persons

Mark Gessner

Head of Department
Research group
Ecosystem Processes

Research groups

Stella A. Berger
Mark Gessner
Hans-Peter Grossart
Jens Christian Nejstgaard
Sabine Wollrab

Department members

Selected publications

Global_Change_Biology
November 2024
Global Change Biology. - 30(2024)11, e17575

Rapid Eutrophication of a Clearwater Lake: Trends and Potential Causes Inferred From Phosphorus Mass Balance Analyses

Thomas Gonsiorczyk; Michael Hupfer; Sabine Hilt; Mark O. Gessner

In just 10 years, the phosphorus concentration in Lake Stechlin has quadrupled, which has been accompanied by algal blooms, oxygen depletion in the deep water and other signs of eutrophication. The study now shows that the causes are not always to be found in increasing nutrient inputs from the catchment or in re-dissolution processes in the deep areas of the lake, but also in the shallower parts.

September 2024
Science of the Total Environment. - 934(2024), Art. 173188

Tapping into fungal potential: Biodegradation of plastic and rubber by potent Fungi

Sabreen S. Ibrahim; Danny Ionescu; Hans-Peter Grossart

The presence of plastics in our environment is an increasing burden on nature and our health. The authors have now identified fungi isolated from freshwater ecosystems that can efficiently degrade plastic polymers made of polyurethane, polyethylene and tyre rubber. Contrary to previous assumptions, no pre-treatment of the plastics was necessary. 

September 2024
Limnology and Oceanography Letters. - 9(2024)6, 667-673

Unleashing the power of remote sensing data in aquatic research: Guidelines for optimal utilization

Igor Ogashawara; Sabine Wollrab; Stella A. Berger; Christine Kiel; Andreas Jechow; Alexis L. N. Guislain; Peter Gege; Thomas Ruhtz; Martin Hieronymi; Thomas Schneider; Gunnar Lischeid; Gabriel A. Singer; Franz Hölker; Hans-Peter Grossart; Jens C. Nejstgaard

The study aimed to elucidate the tradeoffs for the utilization of remote sensing data in limnological studies with an example based on the estimation of chlorophyll a due to its importance as a water quality indicator. Assessing atmospheric correction and product limitations ensures alignment with the limnological study. 

March 2024
Water Research. - 254(2024), Art. 121344

Community stability of free-living and particle-attached bacteria in a subtropical reservoir with salinity fluctuations over 3 years

Xue Yan; Shuzhen Li; Mamun Abdullah Al; Yuanyuan Mo; Jun Zuo; Hans-Peter Grossart; Hongteng Zhang; Yigang Yang; Erik Jeppesen; Jun Yang

The study explored changes in community stability of free-living (FL) and particle-attached (PA) bacteria in a shallow urban reservoir in subtropical China for 3 years. Salinity was the strongest environmental factor determining FL and PA bacteria communities whereby salinity increased the compositional stability, but decreased α-diversity. 

February 2024
BioScience. - XX(2024)X, XX–XX

The potential of historical spy-satellite imagery to support research in ecology and conservation

Catalina Munteanu; Benjamin M. Kraemer; Henry H. Hansen; Sofia Miguel; E.J. Milner-Gulland; Mihai Nita; Igor Ogashawara; Volker C. Radeloff; Simone Roverelli; Oleksandra O. Shumilova; Ilse Storch; Tobias Kuemmerle

This study evaluated the spatial, temporal, and seasonal coverage of over one million declassified images from 4 US spy-satellite programmes, showing that this data spans nearly the entire globe and all seasons. Their use could lead to better mapping of the historical extent and structure of ecosystems and human impacts, and help reconstruct past habitats and species distributions.