Use and management

Freshwaters are used in many ways: as a drinking water supply, for industrial transportation and for recreation. All these functions, also referred to as ecosystem services, can only be ensured if rivers and lakes are in a good ecological state. Since its introduction in 2002, the Water Framework Directive has called for just that. And yet water is a scarce resource in many regions of the world. The growing pressure caused by mining, industry, hydroelectric power production and agriculture affects water quality and the passage of freshwaters. At IGB, we develop concepts for the future-oriented management of freshwater resources for the welfare of humans and nature. We investigate how anthropogenic influences affect freshwaters, and how lakes, flowing waters and wetlands can be used sustainably and revitalised efficiently.

Selected publications

November 2024
Water Resources Research. - 60(2024)9, Art. e2024WR037508

Attributing Urban Evapotranspiration From Eddy‐Covariance to Surface Cover: Bottom‐Up Versus Top‐Down

H. J. Jongen; S. Vulova; F. Meier; G. J. Steeneveld; F. A. Jansen; D. Tetzlaff; B. Kleinschmit; N. Haacke; A. J. Teuling

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important process in the water cycle that can help reduce heat stress in cities. However, it is dependent on surface cover. The study provides insights that can inform urban planning and water management decisions, including improving the living environment of city dwellers.

July 2024
Science of the Total Environment. - 931(2024), Art. 172960

Causes of macrophyte mass development and management recommendations

Susanne C. Schneider; Julie A. Coetzee; Elena Fukasawa Galvanese; Sarah Faye Harpenslager; Sabine Hilt; Bart Immerzeel; Jan Köhler; Benjamin Misteli; Samuel N. Motitsoe; Andre A. Padial; Antonella Petruzzella; Anne Schechner; Gabrielle Thiébaut; Kirstine Thiemer; Jan E. Vermaat

In field experiments the authors investigated why mass developments of macrophytes occur and what the consequences of removing them are. The evaluation of different management approaches showed that the "do nothing" option can also be considered when dealing with aquatic plants. 

July 2023
Nature Sustainability. - 6(2023), 578–586

Impact of the Russia–Ukraine armed conflict on water resources and water infrastructure

Oleksandra Shumilova; Klement Tockner; Alexander Sukhodolov; Valentyn Khilchevskyi; Luc De Meester; Sergiy Stepanenko; Ganna Trokhymenko; Juan Antonio Hernández-Agüero; Peter Gleick

The ongoing war in Ukraine is having multiple impacts on the country’s water sector. In addition to the horror of the direct consequences of war, the destruction of water infrastructure also carries long-term consequences and risks for the population, the environment and global food security.  

July 2023
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. - 21(2023)7, S. 333-340

Transience of public attention in conservation science

Ivan Jarić; Ricardo A Correia; Marino Bonaiuto; Barry W Brook; Franck Courchamp; Josh A Firth; Kevin J Gaston; Tina Heger; Jonathan M Jeschke; Richard J Ladle; Yves Meinard; David L Roberts; Kate Sherren; Masashi Soga; Andrea Soriano-Redondo; Diogo Veríssimo; Uri Roll

This article addresses the concept of attention transience applied to conservation, discusses its major drivers and mechanisms, and provides an overview of conservation issues for which this phenomenon is particularly relevant. Attention transience only leaves a brief window of opportunity to focus public awareness and mobilize support for nature conservation.

May 2023
Journal of Environmental Management. - 325(2023), Art. 116442

Short-term effects of macrophyte removal on aquatic biodiversity in rivers and lakes

Benjamin Misteli; Alexandrine Pannard; Eirin Aasland; Sarah Faye Harpenslager; Samuel Motitsoe; Kirstine Thiemer; Stéphanie Llopis; Julie Coetzee; Sabine Hilt; Jan Köhler; Susanne C. Schneider; Christophe Piscart; Gabrielle Thiébaut

Study of the effects of macrophyte removal on phytoplankton, zooplankton and macroinvertebrates at five sites with highly variable characteristics repeating the same Before-After-Control-Impact design to disentangle general from site-specific effects. Macrophyte removal had negative effects on biodiversity, esp. on zooplankton and macroinvertebrates. It had positive effects on phytoplankton.

Related Projects

Experts at IGB

Jörn Gessner

Research Group Leader
Research group
Reintroduction of the European Sturgeon to Germany

Michael Hupfer

Research Group Leader
Research group
Biogeochemical Processes in Sediments and Lake Management

Martin Pusch

Programme Area Speaker
Research group
Functional Ecology and Management of Rivers and Lake Shores