Selected publications

This study investigated how organic micropollutants and the algal toxins prymnesins interact as mixtures in water extracts from the Oder River using neurotoxic effects on human nerve cells in vitro. The authors showed that prymnesins dominate the neurotoxic effects, but many of the detected organic micropollutants exacerbate the lethal effect of prymnesins.

The authors identified the dominant sources of nitrate pollution and biogeochemical transformations in the semiarid region of the Meoqui-Delicias aquifer, Mexico, where the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and manure lead to excessive nutrient input resulting in deterioration of groundwater quality. This provides an evidence base for policy-making to protect drinking water quality.

Catchment-scale nitrate dynamics involve complex coupling of hydrological transport and biogeochemical transformations, imposing challenges for source control of diffuse pollution. Coupled modeling of isotope tracers and nitrate dynamics revealed that upland arable areas impose pollution risks under drought while the river-connected lowlands are processing hotspots and more resilient to drought. 

A study of oxygen and temperature trends in 46 German lakes showed that temperatures have risen mainly at the surface, but not in the deep water. This led to increased stratification and lower oxygen concentrations. Scenarios showed that these effects of climate change on oxygen content could be compensated by reducing nutrients.

Urban stormwater runoff is an untapped source of freshwater for many water-scarce regions, but improved stormwater treatment is needed for safe use and to protect human and aquatic health. This work provides insights into the kinetic limitations of contaminant removal within biochar and regenerated activated carbon filters and discusses implications for stormwater filter design and operation.

Process-based, tracer-aided ecohydrological modelling and ML were combined to estimate the effects of long-term drought on water fluxes/storage in the Spree catchment. The recent major droughts resulted in declines in groundwater recharge (>40 %), evapotranspiration (up to 16 %) and soil moisture (up to 6 %). Groundwater levels may not recover in 15 years if precipitation anomalies persist.

Long-term water chemistry and isotope data were integrated to investigate hydrological function and water ages in the Scottish Girnock Burn catchment with an Atlantic Salmon population. Changing climatic conditions and stream flow responses continue to cause changes in water quality and ecosystem services with an increase in low flows, derived from older groundwater with more alkaline chemistry.

The study shows how interactions between climate change and urbanisation affect biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. The authors point out that the interactions between these two drivers of global change can have far-reaching effects, and how this knowledge can inform urban planning.