Effects of stressor increase and release on the functional composition and trophic interactions within food webs (A25*)

• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426547801

Project A25 will analyse the effects of different stressors on food webs and their recovery after stressor release. Key food web metrics and matter flux pathways will be quantified based on stable isotope and fatty acid signature analysis of samples from both field (Boye and Emscher catchments) and field flume experiments with controlled stressor profiles. Food web analyses provide a powerful approach to link community structure to ecosystem functions and to detect indirect effects within communities initiated by trophic interactions. In this way, A25 will contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the recovery of key components of the ARC from stress.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1439: Multilevel response to stressor increase and release in stream ecosystems (RESIST)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Torsten Schmidt; Professor Dr. Markus Weitere