News

Researchers with the participation of IGB have shown for the first time that the moon plays a key role in the reproductive behaviour of male moths: when the moon rises on the horizon, they find females better and faster. Fortunately, they are not bothered by low levels of light pollution.

In spring 2022 , a research team from the IGB, together with students from the HU Berlin, conducted extensive groundwater investigations at Arendsee. The aim was to repeat a measurement campaign from 2012 to determine whether nutrient inputs to Lake Arend via groundwater have changed over the last 10 years. The results of the measurement campaign are now available.

An international research team with the participation of IGB advocates the worldwide development of a dark infrastructure. This refers to areas and corridors without excessive artificial light at night that protect biodiversity from light pollution.

The pollution of groundwater and surface waters with sulphate and iron from acid mine drainage is a worldwide problem in post-mining landscapes. Researchers from HU Berlin and IGB have shown in the laboratory that fen soil can reduce the iron and sulphate contamination of mine water by over 80 percent.

IGB gives feedback on the EU Call for Evidence.

Mithilfe von Bäumen könnten mit Mikroplastik belastete Böden saniert werden. Erstmals zeigen Forschende des IGB, dass die Hänge-Birke während der Wachstumsphase Mikroplastik über die Wurzeln aufnimmt. Eine gute Nachricht, denn Böden sind um ein Vielfaches höher mit Mikroplastik verschmutzt als  Meere und Ozeane.

Hydroelectric turbines put fish at risk of severe injury during passage. To support an informed debate on the sustainability of hydropower, reliable data of turbine-induced fish mortality are pivotal. A team of researchers has now provided a first global analysis. On average, 22.3 percent of all fish passing through turbines got killed or showed severe, potentially lethal injuries.

IGB scientists gave feedback on the potential revision of the EU list of pollutants affecting surface and groundwater