Projects
Effect of grazing on the biological silicon buffer in subarctic ecosystems (Finnmark, Northern Norway). University of Antwerp
Recently, the biological loop in the terrestrial Si cycle, the "biological Si buffer", has been shown to regulate the terrestrial Si export towards coastal systems. Studies on the functioning of this Si buffer and influences of human activities are currently scarce, incomplete, while scale-effects are unknown. This project will be a pioneer study on the effect of grazing on the functioning of the biological Si buffer in three subarctic bio-Si ...
Metacommunity ecology of asuatic microbial communities along strong ecological gradients. KU Leuven
In this project we will combine field and experimental work to gain insight in the processes that structure metacommunities of aquatic microbial organisms. We will sample bacterial communities along natural ecotones and use molecular fingerprinting techniques to document patterns of lineage sorting and mass effects. In microcosmos experiments in outdoor or laboratory set-ups, we will manipulate dispersal rates among clear environmental gradients ...
Evolutionary paleogenomics of Daphnia: reconstructing evolutionary responses to environmental change in wild populations. KU Leuven
Monitoring populations in time is a straightforward way to document evolutionary dynamics in response to environmental change, but requires long-term studies and can not be done in retrospect. Many aquatic organisms produce dormant eggs, the resulting layered egg banks providing an archive of past evolutionary change. Here, we apply a paleogenetics and paleogenomics approach to reconstruct evolutionary dynamics from layered egg banks in the ...
Linking optical imaging techniques and 2D-modelling for stuyding spatial heterogenity in vegetated streams and rivers. University of Antwerp
The major aim of this project is to develop and apply new 'surface covering' optical measuring techniques with a high spatial and temporal resolution to characterise plant-flow interactions in river ecosystems. This new type of information will be used for the 2D numerical model development within the STRIVE-package. Two individual research fields are defined, based on the scientific sub-discipline and consequent character of measurements.
Genetic adaptation in common sole (Solea solea L.) under natural and artificial selection. KU Leuven
The management of commercial marine fish species requires a thorough understanding of natural and anthropogenic selective influences, which impact natural populations. During my PhD I study the level of adaptive genetic variation in natural sole populations, to assess the geographical distribution and the influence of overfishing on functional diversity. Itmight provide indications for genetic adaptations. As well historical time series ...
Integrating the biological Si buffer into biogeochemical models. University of Antwerp
This project will contribute essential knowledge to our scientific concept of the bio-Si buffer, and attain an integration of this buffer into biogeochemical models of the silica cycle. This requires a detailed quantification of the reactivity of the bio-Si buffer in different ecosystems and at different timescales, as well as an integration of processes at different temporal and spatial scales.
Biogeochemical cycle of heavy metals in natutal freshwater tidal marshes and in flood control areas. University of Antwerp
As a transition zone between land and sea, estuaries accommodate specific and valuable ecosystems and often act as a filter for the load of nutrients and pollutants increased by human activities. Intertidal areas play a key role in these functions. The area of natural tidal wetlands can be extended by bringing the planned controlled flooding areas under influence of the tide. Within the pilot project of the controlled inundation area with ...
Carbon cycling from a catchment perspective: an integrated approach to terrestrial-aquatic linkages in the Tana River basin (Kenya). KU Leuven
The overall aim of this proposal is to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical functioning of tropical aquatic ecosystems, and to investigate their linkage with the terrestrial environment. This includes (i) investigating the impact of catchment land-use, vegetation patterns, and soil characteristics on the origin and biogeochemical processing of different organic matter pools in tropical aquatic systems; (ii) improving our understanding ...