Selected publications

The authors investigated the seasonal dynamics in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiomes in three common fen types in Northern Germany. The eukaryotic microbiomes showed significant changes in their community structures across the seasons in contrast to largely unaffected prokaryotic microbiomes. The dynamics in eukaryotic microbiomes in the rewetted sites differed between fen types.

The scientist allowed sediments of a nutrient-rich lowland river to dry out over 9 weeks to study temporal changes of microbial activity, carbon dioxide and methane emissions, and of the fluxes of water-soluble organic carbon. They also simulated short rainfalls on the dried-up riverbed. The study shows, that after drying up and raining, rivers can release more carbon dioxide and methane.

Rewetted peatlands have the potential to fulfil the restoration goals including those targeting climate change mitigation, water quality protection, and species conservation. However, due to heavy soil changes their restoration cannot be expected in short-term. Data analyser of several hundred natural and degraded peatlands have shown that it might last decades before they become fully recovered.

Using a survey of 20 zooplankton communities, population genetic and phenotypic trait data the authors quantified the impact of local trait evolution of Daphnia magna on zooplankton community trait values. They found spatial variation in the impact of local evolution of D. magna that could be explained by ecological community features rather than by population genetics or environmental features. 

Explosive growth in “environmental DNA” studies has led to inconsistent use of the term “eDNA”. The confusion could jeopardize research, conservation, and management efforts. The authors argue that eDNA should be defined by its origin rather than by methods used to detect it, and that studies must clearly distinguish between eDNA from whole organisms and from trace amounts found in shed cells.

The authors quantified heterogeneity of rivers and methods and how many small decisions in studies bias outcomes. They identified most representative, replicable, and accurate river metabolism approaches, and suggest best practices to improve value of and confidence in big data aggregation and long term monitoring including: adjust for drift, measure from the thalweg, use local over remote data.

The authors have summarised and evaluated the scientific literature on recreational ecology in a meta-study. Although all recreational activities can have negative impacts on plants, animals and the environment, they conclude that boat traffic and shoreline use have the most consistently negative impacts. 

Benthic filamentous algal blooms in nutrient-poor, clear lakes are unusual but have increased recently – and the causes are often complex and largely unexplored. The authors have compiled possible reasons. They want to draw attention to the problem because benthic filamentous algae blooms can change the ecosystem profoundly and can contain toxic substances.