Methods

Our research uses a wide range of methods, from the laboratory to the field, from the individual to the community level, as real or modelled systems.

Laboratory

Biotests

Laboratory systems, test organism: Daphnia magna (e.g. OECD 202, OECD 211) and Culex pipiens (mosquito larvae).

Daphnia magna

Nanocosms

Laboratory systems, automated monitoring of populations and simple communities by image analysis, Daphnia magna und Culex pipiens, test volume of 5 l.

outdoor test system

Microcosms

UFZ area, zooplankton, volume of 20-90 l, 200 replicates.

outdoor test system

Stream Experiment Leipzig

UFZ area, macrozoobenthos, length of 14 m, 47 replicates in continuous operation, closed water circuit.

Field monitoring

Field investigations

Measurement campaigns, monitoring of macroinvertebrates and toxic exposure, water and sediment sampling, continuous and event-triggered sample techniques.

SPEAR logo

SPEAR (Species at Risk)

Toxic specific bioindicator for running waters, based on macroinvertebrates and their ecological traits.

GIS graphic

GIS-Modelling

Modelling of pesticide exposure and ecological risk in agricultural landscapes, risk maps, scenarios of global change.

Population model

Ecological modelling

Population- and community level, toxic effects and recovery considering ecological mechanisms like competition and predation.