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A river flows steadily, and a lake usually has a consistent water level. However, many of our rivers have been canalised, straightened and regulated for shipping. It's therefore no surprise that we take stable water levels for granted, even in lakes. However, fluctuating water levels are a natural occurrence: streams and rivers sometimes dry up or flood the surrounding land. This creates floodplains along their banks, which are valuable habitats that are constantly changing.

A research team has investigated the interplay between hydrology and microbial communities in small water bodies in Berlin. They discovered many microorganisms that indicate a higher anthropogenic influence. The reason: small watercourses such as the Panke or the Erpe mainly carry treated effluent – accounting for up to 100 per cent of the total discharge volume in summer.

A research team with IGB has made significant progress in understanding the bacterial genus Fontibacterium, which is widespread in both freshwater and marine environments. In a recent publication in the journal Nature Microbiology, the scientists greatly expanded the phylogenetic tree of Fontibacterium, described two previously unknown species and analysed their ecology.

Researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) analysed various bodies of water in Berlin for traces of nicotine. They detected nicotine in all of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 7 to around 1,500 nanograms per litre. Nicotine from discarded cigarettes primarily enters water bodies via heavy rainfall and the sewage system. 

When predators strike, fish need to decide fast: dive or stay? It’s a life-or-death choice, and getting it wrong, whether by overreacting to harmless disturbances or missing a real threat, can be costly. Now, researchers from the Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence” (SCIoI) with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), have shown that wild fish shoals become not just faster, but better at making these decisions as they grow in size.

IGB has provided feedback on the planned EU ports strategy and emphasised that environmental aspects play a decisive role for resilient ports.

Lynn Goveart is studying how evolutionary and ecological processes affect aquatic organisms. The work of the IGB research group leader is now being additionally supported for five years by the Leibniz Programme for Women Professors. This is aimed at women in all disciplines who have an outstanding international track record.

Head out to the lake for a swim, but have you ever wondered what might be swimming, growing or crawling in the water? A catfish recently attacked several people in the Brombachsee, a lake in Franconia. But just how dangerous are these predatory fish? What other creatures might you encounter in the lake? We take a look at the diverse underwater world of animals and plants, from the harmless to the astonishing.