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Oxygen is essential for most aquatic organisms. Chemical and biological processes, such as the ability to self-purify, are also dependent on oxygen. However, environmental changes and rising water temperatures are altering the oxygen content of lakes, ponds and pools. Oxygen concentrations in the deep layers of lakes are decreasing worldwide. In addition, oxygen depletion can lead to an increased release of greenhouse gases. IGB researchers are investigating the extent and consequences of this. In the process, they are also questioning some theories about the laws of lake ecology.

A new IGB manual makes knowledge about the construction methods and authorisation requirements for Vertical Wetlands publicly available to interested parties.

At around 380 kilometres, the Spree is not one of Germany’s longest rivers, but it is one of its most famous. As the capital’s river, it is representative of water bodies in Germany and around the world that are under increasing pressure. While private and commercial interests in its water resources continue to grow, it is also clear that there will be significantly less water available in the future. What needs to be done to counteract this is the subject of controversial debate.

The IGB has provided research-based feedback on a draft legislation to regulate the reuse of municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation.

In an EU consultation, IGB researchers emphasise that the practical implementation of the Nitrates Directive has so far been inadequate.

In July and August 2022, a man-made environmental disaster occurred in the in the Oder River: a mass die-off of fish, mussels and snails that started in the Polish section of the Oder and then continued downstream until it reached the border Oder. The immediate cause of their death was a toxin-producing (planktonic) brackish water alga, scientifically known as Prymnesium parvum, which was able to grow en masse due to high salinity, high solar radiation, and low water flow. An IGB Fact Sheet summarises the current state of scientific knowledge.

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) awaits its formal adoption within the next weeks. Amongst other goals, the NRL aims to restore 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030. The NRL represents an important opportunity for the restoration and safeguarding of European rivers, its biodiversity and ecosystem services they provide to people. However, seven central challenges must be anticipated in its implementation, which may compromise its success. 

The flood situation in parts of Germany is slowly easing. It can be expected that after some weeks the rivers will have returned to their beds. But how wide is a natural riverbed? Under what conditions does flooding become dangerous for us – and is it also dangerous for nature? How can we better prepare for such extreme events and which measures are beneficial for both people and nature? The current flood events make it clear that we need to rethink flood protection.