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  • Programme area:3) Dimensions of Complexity of Aquatic Systems
March 2026
Water Resources Research. - 62(2026)3, Art. e2025WR041376

A Novel In Situ Experimental Setup for Studying the Impact of Bedform Celerity on 2D Oxygen Distribution in the Hyporheic Zone of Streams

Alejandra Villa; Hanna Schulz; Hauke Dämpfling; Stephanie Spahr; Shai Arnon; Jörg Lewandowski

The authors investigated the influence of dynamic hyporheic zones. They developed of a novel field-based setup that enabled the simultaneous monitoring of oxygen dynamics and bedform migration in a stream. Contrary to what has been reported in several studies, they observed more strongly oxygenated bedforms at the highest velocity studied. 

February 2026
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. - 30(2026)4, 1143–1163

Enhancing process interpretation with isotopes: potential discharge-isotope trade-offs in ecohydrological modelling of heavily managed lowland catchments

Hanwu Zheng; Doerthe Tetzlaff; Christian Birkel; Songjun Wu; Tobias Sauter; Chris Soulsby

The authors enhanced a tracer-aided hydrological model to help constrain estimates of ecohydrological partitioning and water balance compartments in sub-catchments of the Middle Spree catchment. They disentangled ecohydrological funtioning in this ET dominated region despite the complexity of the heterogeneous landuse, extensive hydraulic infrastructure and long legacy of intensive management.

January 2026
Journal of Hydrology. - 667(2026), Art. 134882

Dense stands of aquatic plants retain water in lowland rivers and in adjacent floodplain aquifers

Jan Köhler; Jörg Lewandowski

Since the 1980s mean discharge has declined by around 50% and - without aquatic vegetation – also the water level. Dense stands of aquatic plants have kept the water level high in recent summers despite lowered discharge. Most water was retained in adjacent floodplain aquifers rather than in the river channel.

November 2025
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. - 29(2025)22, 6663–6683

Sub-daily stable water isotope dynamics of urban tree xylem water and ambient vapor

Ann-Marie Ring; Dörthe Tetzlaff; Christian Birkel; Chris Soulsby

The authors combined in situ monitoring of stable isotopes and ecohydrological monitoring in different urban vegetation in Berlin. They provide novel insights on plant physiology and hydrological functioning through high-resolution isotope data to capture sub-daily plant water uptake and internal water cycling. 

Environmental Science_Water Research & Technology
November 2025
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. - XX(202X)X, XX-XX

A tiered complexity conceptual framework for treating water soluble, hydrophilic contaminants in green stormwater infrastructure

Stephanie Spahr; Gregory H. LeFevre; Elodie Passeport

Blue-green infrastructure is a critical tool for improving stormwater quality, but the removal of dissolved, hydrophilic contaminants remains a major challenge. The authors propose a tiered conceptual framework of progressively more complex, costly, and resource-intensive interventions to remove dissolved, hydrophilic contaminants and thus minimize risks to ecosystems and drinking water sources.