(Dept. 1) Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry
The interactions within and between green water (in terrestrial systems) and blue water (lakes, rivers, and subsurface aquifers) affect in complex ways the habitats for organisms and the reactive transport of abiotic components. Aquatic and terrestrial systems are coupled at multiple spatio-temporal scales. The overall goal of the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry is to understand the ecohydrological and biogeochemical processes of these connected land- and waterscapes in natural, rural and urban environments. Therefore, our research projects focus on the following core topics:
- Interactions of landscape-freshwater ecosystems
- Physical and biogeochemical drivers under global change
- Water security in disturbed and urban systems
In our research, we integrate different modelling approaches with data collected in field studies, in large-scale manipulation studies, by long-term monitoring and in laboratory experiments. We study ecohydrological and biogeochemical processes using a variety of tracer techniques, particularly stable isotopes, and by measuring naturally dissolved solutes, conservative geogenic ions, trace organic matter, and nutrients. In doing so, we combine basic research with application aspects and aim to record and model the effects of climate and land use changes. With its laboratory infrastructure and expertise in the fields of inorganic and organic analysis as well as isotope measurement, the department performs a central function for the entire institute. To achieve our research goal, we combine our professional expertise from the research disciplines of hydrology, geochemistry, aquatic physics, ecology, environmental engineering, and geography.
Landscape Ecohydrology, Research group of Dörthe Tetzlaff, Graphic: Dörthe Tetzlaff / IGB
Ground Water-Surface Water Interactions, Research group of Jörg Lewandowski, Graphic: Jörg Lewandowski / IGB
Physical Limnology, Research group of Georgiy Kirillin, Graphic: Georgiy Kirillin / IGB
Organic Contaminants, Research group of Stephanie Spahr, Graphic: Stephanie Spahr / IGB
Ecohydraulics, Research group of Alexander Sukhodolov, Graphic: Alexander Sukhodolov / IGB
Nutrient Cycles and Chemical Analytics, Research group of Tobias Goldhammer, Graphic: Tobias Goldhammer / IGB
River System Modelling, Research group of Markus Venohr, Graphic: Markus Venohr / IGB
Biogeochemical Processes in Sediments and Lake Management, Research group of Michael Hupfer, Graphic: Michael Hupfer / IGB
Research groups
Department members
Selected publications
A Novel In Situ Experimental Setup for Studying the Impact of Bedform Celerity on 2D Oxygen Distribution in the Hyporheic Zone of Streams
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.
Enhancing process interpretation with isotopes: potential discharge-isotope trade-offs in ecohydrological modelling of heavily managed lowland catchments
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.
Dense stands of aquatic plants retain water in lowland rivers and in adjacent floodplain aquifers
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.
Sub-daily stable water isotope dynamics of urban tree xylem water and ambient vapor
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.
A tiered complexity conceptual framework for treating water soluble, hydrophilic contaminants in green stormwater infrastructure
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.
