Past research projects

PONDSCAPE - Towards a sustainable management of pond diversity at the landscape level (15/12/2006-31/01/2009)
The project investigates pond biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functions at multiple spatial scales, and relates these to factors such as succession, land use, pollution, pond creation and pond management. Also, the historic economic and social relevance and present day perception of pond use by stakeholders is assessed. Based on these research avenues, Pondscape will provide recommendations for sustainable pond management.
BBLOOMS2 - Cyanobacterial blooms: toxicity, diversity, modelling and management (15/12/2006-31/01/2009)
The project will deepen the knowledge of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Belgium, improve the modelling for prediction and early-warning, develop operational monitoring structures and tools, and propose strategies to reduce the impact. This will be done by collection of physical, chemical and biological data from cyanobacterial blooms, study the genetic diversity of toxigenic cyanobacteria and the factors regulating toxicity.
AMBIO - Antarctic microbial biodiversity: the importance of geographical and ecological factors (15/12/2006-31/01/2009)
AMBIO will determine the microbial diversity, community composition and taxonomic turnover in permanently and seasonally wet habitats across Antarctica, and assess the relative importance of ecological versus historical factors in explaining the geographical distribution of particular taxa and communities. Molecular fingerprinting approaches will be complemented with culture collections of focal groups, such as Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta.
The influence of historical and ecological factors on the biogeography of diatoms: a molecular-fylogenetic and ecophysiological study of some representative taxa (01/10/2006-30/09/2008)
To determine if the geographical distribution of freshwater diatoms is constrained by their physiology, or by historical/geographical factors, terrestrial and aquatic species of the genus Pinnularia will be isolated from different locations in the world. Molecular-genetic tools will be used to study their phylogenetic relationships, while experimental studies will be used to reveal their tolerance to e.g. temperature and moisture changes.
European Water Framework Directive (01/09/2006-30/11/2007)
The European Water Framework Directive obliges the European member states to achieve a good ecological quality in its surface and ground waters by 2015. These waters might have only a slight amount of anthropogenic disturbance. With the aid of some specific quality elements (ie phytoplankton), an assessment system has to be developed to evaluatie the water quality. For the heavily modified or artificial water bodies, a good ecological potential has to be achieved taken into account the specific hydro-morphological deviations in comparison with natural water bodies. For 2 specific Flemish water bodies (gravel pit lakes Kessenich and Heerenlaak), all existing information is gathered together with new field and laboratory data to define and assess the ecological potential for these two lakes.
BIOPOOL - EuroDIVERSITY - Connectivity, dispersal and priority effects as drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem function in pond and pool communities (15/06/2006-14/06/2008)
It is known that small ecosystems such as pools and ponds have a strong contribution to regional diversity and function as migration corridors for biota. In order to ensure the preservation of the biodiversity and ecosystem services of ponds and pools, we need to understand the impact of dispersal, colonization and priority effects on community and population build-up, and their consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Building a North-south transect for the reconstruction of Late Quaternary climate and environmental change in southern Chile: (paleo)limnological and limnogeological reconnaissance. (01/02/2006-31/01/2008)
We will perform reconnaissance limnological, paleolimnological and limnogeological research on a set of lakes in two regions along a North-South transect in Chilean Patagonia (Aysén and Magallanes) in order to identify a set of suitable lakes for in depth paleolimnological and limnogeological research of late Quaternary climate and environmental change.
Intra- and interspecific variation in fatty acid composition and production in pennate diatoms (01/01/2006-31/12/2008)
"The specific aims of the project are (1) the analysis of the poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition within pennate marine and lacustrine diatoms using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS); (2) assessing intraspecific variation in PUFA composition; (3) the study of changes in PUFA production and composition under light, nutrient and salinity stress using ecophysiological experiments."
HOLANT - Holecene climate variability and ecosystem change in coastal East and Maritime Antartica (15/12/2005-14/12/2007)
"HOLANT will determine how the climate of coastal Antarctic regions has varied during the Holocene; and especially how records from these coastal areas and inland locations (ice cores) are interrelated with respect to timing, duration and magnitude of climatic variation. In addition, we will relate previous temperature excursions to changes in regional ice sheet volume and global-scale climate anomalies."
BBSea - Biogeography and Biodiversity of the Sea - Integration of ecological and evolutional patterns and processes (01/01/2005-31/10/2011)
Analysis of patterns in species turn-over for representative model taxa in order to understand the historical, phylogenetic en abiotic factors which are responsible for the biogeographical patterns of biodiversity. Characterization of the relationship between biodiversity and function of marine model ecosystems. Development of indices and models in order to quantify the effects of anthropogenic activities on the marine biodiversity
Identification and characterisation of genes modulated during sexual reproduction of diatoms (01/01/2004-31/12/2007)
Diatoms have a peculiar life cycle where cells move from vegetative reproduction to sexual reproduction as a result of cell size reduction during miotosis. A transcript profiling experiment will identify genes that are required on the different stages of the life cycle. To deciphere their precise role genes will also be studied using transformation experiments.
Reproductive, genetic and phenotypic variation patterns in relation to toxicity in the Pseudo-nitzschia pungens/multiseries complex. (01/12/2003-30/11/2007)
The marine, planktonic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia includes several species capable of producing domoic acid, the causative agent of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. Amongst the potentially toxic representatives, the P. pungens/multiseries complex is the most abundant in the North Sea. The main goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the genetic, reproductive, morphological and toxic variation patterns within this complex. This will lead to a better insight in the distribution of potentially toxic strains within these species and will help developing efficient detection methods. To obtain this goal we are building a collection of monoclonal cultures of Pseudo-nitzschia from different stations in the North Sea, the Westerscheldt, the Spuikom of Ostend and other parts of the world. In order to elucidate the sexual compatibility between different strains, crossing experiments are being carried out. Genetic differentiation and phylogenetic relationships will be assessed using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. This genetic marker has already been successfully used for phylogenetic analyses in Pseudo-nitzschia. Some of these studies have demonstrated the presence of genetically distinct but morphologically indistinguishable species.
Role of cell size in the induction of sexual reproduction in diatoms: identification of differentiallly regulated genes using cDNA-AFLP (01/01/2003-31/12/2008)
The aims of this project are (1) to characterize the cell- and life cycle of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and (2) to characterise the cell size dependent molecular mechanisms that are involved in the induction of sexual reproduction in diatoms. The transcription patterns above and below the critical size treshold for sexual reproduction will be analysed using cDNA-AFLP.
Scanning electron microscopical studies on structures and organisms of botanical and zoological origin. (01/10/1993-)
The proposed infrastructure will serve in optimalising the use of the existing Jeol 840 scanning electron microscope. Digital storage in a data-base, measurements of dimension and shape and high-quality printing of images will all be possible. This time-saving system will make our research more economic and allow us to perform image analysis.
Transcriptome analysis of the morphogenesis of the model organism Micrasterias denticulata (Chlorophyta)
Form and function of a plant cell are strongly correlated. The processes determining and regulating cell shape, however, remain fundamental questions yet to be resolved. This project will contribute to the explanation of the molecular-genetic basis of Micrasterias morphogenesis. By describing specific genes and co regulated genes an advanced insight into the processes involved in cell morphogenesis will be reached. Our results and comparisons with land plant genes will lay the foundation of new proposals for the role of these genes in morphogenesis of plant cells in general. The strategy of the project relies on the cDNA-AFLP technique which allows gene discovery and genome wide quantitative gene expression analysis without prior sequence information.
DIVPROD - Relationships between diversiteit and productivity in microphytobenthos (01/01/2005-31/12/2006)
In order to investigate the relationship between diversity and productivity in estuarine diatom communities we will (1) analyse sequence data of isolates and natural communities and (2) perform micro- and mesocosm experiments to measure the influence of several environmental factors on the diversity, EPS production and productivity. We will use PAM and expression of Rubisco genes to quantify productivity.
PEP - "Past climate variability at high latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere - extending the Americas and Australasian palaeoclimate" "Pole-Equator-Pole" (PEP) transects (01/10/2004-30/09/2005)
This proposal aims to (1) investigate tele-connections between Late Quaternary climate changes at the high latitudes (40-70°S) in the Southern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere, (2) study the link between ice shelf loss and climate optima in Antarctica and (3) deliver high-resolution data to test and calibrate recently developed climate models. Therefore, biological proxies will be analyzed in lake-sediment cores.
SCALDIT - Development of indices or scores for phytoplankton as a biological quality agent in Flemish rivers, lakes and transition waters in agreement with the European Framework Directive Water (01/04/2004-31/03/2005)
All surface waters must obtain a quality of 'good ecological value' within 15 years after the European Framework Directive Water came into force. This value will be defined for Flemish surface waters using existing and new data about abundance, biomass and taxonomical composition of phytoplankton as a biological quality agent, in order to develop a quality score or index.
Impacts of volcanic activity, climate and land cover changes on the ecology and watersed hydrology of andean lakes in southern central Chile (01/02/2004-31/01/2006)
The current research proposal aims at reconstructing the climatic history and catchment hydrology of three large Andean lakes situated in southern Central Chile. Through a multidisciplinary approach incorporataing biology-limnology, geology and hydrological modelling we aim at assessing the impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors on these systems. The results of our study will provide the baseline data for the construction of integrated water management schemes.
OMES - Environmental impact study of the Sigmaplan, dredging activities and expansion of the port of Antwerp in the Scheldt estuary – phytoplankton studies (01/02/2004-30/04/2005)
This project involves a monitoring of phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and dissolved organic matter (DOC) in the upper reaches of the Schelde estuary. Phytoplankton will be monitored by means of HPLC and microscopical analyses. Microphytobenthos will be studied using HPLC or fluorometric chlorophyll measurements. DOC will be determined by means of HTCO (TOC 5000).
COMETS - Cluster eutrophication: COMmunicating advanced progress in coastal Eutrophication To Stake holders and the scientific community (15/12/2003-30/06/2007)
COMETS aims to establish a current status of eutrophication in the Belgian coastal zones by the association of scientific results from belgian projects on biogeochemical cycles, algal blooms and modelling of the Belgian coastal zone and North Sea (SISCO, AMORE II, CANOPY). Moreover, COMETS will permit to resolve environmental questions and to establish a monitoring program on eutrophication
Belgian cluster on lake research in the framework of global climate change (15/12/2003-31/12/2006)
BELLA aims to create a Belgian network of expertise in limnology, limnogeology and paleolimnology, based on projects funded by the Belgian Science Policy in the framework of lacustrine based paleoclimate and environmental research. In addition, BELLA will identify uncertainties and research priorities within the context of national and international research agendas, and will provide more visibility to lake research.
OMES - Environmental impact study of the Sigmaplan, dredging activities and expansion of the port of Antwerp in the Scheldt estuary - phytoplankton studies (01/02/2003-30/04/2004)
This project involves a monitoring of phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and dissolved organic matter (DOC) in the upper reaches of the Schelde estuary. Phytoplankton will be monitored by means of HPLC and microscopical analyses. Microphytobenthos will be studied using HPLC or fluorometric chlorophyll measurements. DOC will be determined by means of HTCO (TOC 5000).
Evolution of variation patterns in morphological and reproductive features in selected diatom taxa (01/01/2003-31/12/2005)
The aim of this project is to assess to what degree variation pattern in sexual reproductive strategies and ploidy are related to morphological and molecular-phylogenetic variation patterns in selected diatom taxa. This approach will make it possible to investigate how observed variation patterns in morphological, cytological and reproductive features have evolved, and, vice versa, to what degree reproductive processes play a role in speciation processes in diatoms.
CASI - Airborne hyperspectral potential for coastal biogeochemistry of the Scheldt estuary and plume (01/08/2002-31/03/2003)
The goal of this project is to evaluate whether airborne hyperspectroscopy can be used to determine several biogeochemical parameters in the Schelde estuary and coastal plume. The research carried out by UGent involves analyses of phytoplankton and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM).
SISCO - Silicate retention along the Scheldt continuum and its impact on coastal eutrophication (01/02/2002-30/04/2006)
This project evaluates the role of the Scheldt estuary as a sink for Si. We will investigate uptake of Si by estuarine diatom blooms and remineralisation of biogenic Si. The project involves monitoring of Si and diatoms in the Scheldt continuum and experiments with a culture collection of estuarine diatoms. The results will be integrated into an ecosystem model.
Zeeschelde: evaluating the effects of the Sigmaplan, dredging activities and harbour expansion on the environment. (01/02/2002-30/04/2003)
The aim of this project is a one-year monitoring of phytoplankton and microphytobenthos in the Zeeschelde, the upper part of the Schelde estuary. 12 stations situated between Gent and the Dutch-Belgian border and 4 major tributaries will be sampled monthly. Phytoplankton will be quantified using HPLC pigment analyses and microscopic cell counts. Microphytobenthos will be monitored using HPLC pigment analyses.
DIVPROD - Diversity-Productivity Relationships in Microphytobenthos (01/01/2002-31/12/2004)
The aim of this project is (1) to assess the importance of intra- and interspecific biodiversity for the productivity of estuarine biofilms along a salinity gradient, and (2) to study niche-differentiation and physiology of these organisms. We will use molecular tools (1) and micro- and mesocosmosexperiments.
LAQUAN - Late Quaternary history of coastal Antarctic environments: a multi-proxy approach (01/01/2001-30/09/2005)
LAQUAN aims to contribute to the study of the Late Quaternary climate history of two contrasting Antartic environments (Larsemann Hills and Alexander Island), by a multi-proxy, multi-site research of sediment cores from coastal lakes. Therefore, molecular tools (based on rDNA) and inference models based on microfossils (diatoms) and biochemical markers are developed.
The structure of phytoplankton communities and populations in shallow lakes: impact of local and regional factors. (01/10/2001-30/09/2003)
The structure of phytoplankton communities and populations is determined by regional (dispersion, gene flow) and locam (competition, predation,...) factors. The objective of the research is to estimate the relative impact of them in determining both species composition of phytoplanktoncommunities and the genetic structure of populations of specific species. To achieve this, field observations, laboratory experiments and field experiments are combined.
Restoration and management of the Kraenepoel at Aalter: succession of seed bank and protists after restoration measures (01/03/2001-30/11/2003)
After the seed bank analysis prior to nature restoration measures, we now investigate the similarity between the seed bank and the developing aquatic macrophyte vegetation after restoration and whether target species develop. The analysis of the protist community will contribute to the characterization of the present structure and dynamics of the plankton food web and will form the necessary reference frame for the evaluation of the effects of restoration measures.
Use of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by bacteria. (01/01/2001-31/12/2003)
Over a range of aquatic ecosystems of diverse trophic status we will determine the fraction of DOC that is biologically available (=labile DOC fraction). We will also determine the efficiency with which this DOC is converted to bacterial biomass (=bacterial growth efficiency). DOC will be measured using high temperature catalyc oxidation.
Climate variability, productivity and food web structure in Lake Tanganyika. (01/01/2001-30/09/2005)
In this research project the importance of the microbial food web in Lake Tanganyika will be assessed under different climate circumstances by means of monitoring (enumeration of bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates and picoplankton in biweekly samples) and food web experiments (during both dry and wet season). This will permit the evaluation of carbon flux through and the trophic efficiency of the planktonic food web.
CLIMLAKE Climate variability as recorded in Lake Tanganyika (01/12/2000-28/02/2005)
The project aims to study the past climate variability and will improve the understanding of decadal to century scale climate variability, especially as relevant to improving predictability. This through the use of high resolution paleoclimatic data as well as building a model dealing with the impact of the actual climate variability and changes on a great lake ecosystem.
Development of a conceptual model integrating hydrological and palaeolimnological models and historical land use data, and its application as a tool for lake water management. (01/01/2000-31/12/2002)
This project aims to test the hypothesis that a strong relationship exists between historical changes in watershed land use and lacustrine ecosystem structure and function. This will be done through the construction of hydrological models and the intercalibration of these models with those based on detailed palaeolimnological and sedimentological data. The hydrologicala models can then be used to predict the effect of future changes in watershed land use on lacustrine ecosystems.
Indicators of biodiversity and nature value in shallow stagnant waters in Flanders. (31/12/2000-30/12/2001)
Several biodiversity indices will be developed and compared through a survey of the planktonic foodwed in shallow lakes in Flanders. Validation will be based on existing datasets and will be compared to diatom-based indiced. We will evaluate which (combination of) indices provide an optimal assessment of biodiversity and nature value based on their accuracy and cost-efficiency.
Diatoms as indicators for Late-quaternary environmental history of Antarctica. (01/10/2000-30/09/2004)
The general objective of this research project is to contribute to the understanding of Late-Quaternary climate history of contrasting Antarctic environments. The specific objective is to construct and validate transfer functions for fossilizable prootists (diatoms and stomatocysts). The application of these models together with other proxies (e.g. molecular tools) will be used to interpret sediment cores from coastal Antarctic lakes.
A study of the carbon flux through the microbial food web in aquatic systems: experiments and modelling. (01/10/1999-30/09/2002)
This project comprises a comparative study of the carbon flux through the microbial food web in a series of marine and freshwater systems situated along trophic gradients. For each system, a model describing the transfer of carbon from the DOM pool to the mesozooplankton will be constructed. Two important processes will be investigated experimentally: the bacterial growth efficiency and the number of trophic levels present between bacteria and the mesozooplankton.
Biotic interactions in turbid estuarine systems. (01/01/1999-31/12/2002)
This project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and function of estuarine food webs by studying selected biotic interactions in the plankton and benthos of the Schelde estuary. The objectives are : 1) The study of the relative importance of primary production, bacterial production and detritus in the planktonic food wed. 2) The study of important biotic interactions in the micro- and meiobenthic food wed. 3) The study of the feeding ecology of higher tropic levels (fish, macrocrustacea and avifauna) and their impact on lower trophic levels.
Cryptic diversity in photo-autotrophic Protista : variation in phenetic and genetic patterns in selected species complexes and their taxonomic, biogeographic and ecological significance. (01/01/1999-31/12/2001)
Recent investigations have revealed that cryptic diversity (both phenetic and genetic) is widespread in photo-autotrophic protists. However, little is as yet not known about the taxonomic, ecological and biogeographic significanca of this phenomenon. Through the study of a number of case-studies, the current project proposal aims at answerint the following questions : 1) What phenetic and genetic, infraspecific variation patterns exist in the case-studies and how are they related to each other? 2) What taxonomic and biogeographical conclusions can be drawn from this variation analysis? 3) What is the relationship between these variation patterns and ecological factors? For culture maintenance (isolation, identification) and crossing experiments an inverted microscope is applied for.
Investigation of the microbenthos in the Zeeschelde. (01/01/1999-31/12/1999)
This project aims to 1) contribute to the characterisation of the diversity, structure and dynamics of the microbentoss in intertidal sediments of the Zeeschelde and 2) to identify important biological interactions in the microbial food web. The research will be done in a number of stations along the transect Bath to Gent. The temporal dynamics of the microbentoss will be studied in detail in appels, where within the framework of the OMES-project measurements of other important factors of the ecosystem have been monitored.
MICROMAT - Biodiversity of microbial mats in Antarctica. (01/11/1998-28/02/2001)
The objectives of the MICROMAT project are to assess and improve the characterisation of the cultivated and 'yet-to-be' cultivated diversity of the bacteria, protists and fungi in the mats of Antarctica and to test this biodiversity for its novelty and potential biotechnological use.
Biodiversity of marine benthic communities along ecological gradients. (01/01/1998-31/12/2005)
1) To contribute to the inventarisation of the global biodiversity of marine benthic communities, including microbenthos, meiobenthos, macrobenthos, hyperbenthos and epibenthos. 2) To investigate patterns in marine benthic biodiversity on different spatial scales along several ecological gradients. 3) To investigate the relationships between biodiversity and various measures of system productivity and other environmental factors along several ecological gradients. 4) To determine the partitioning of biodiversity between the different benthic compartments. 5) To determine the relationship between food-web structure and biodiverisity of the benthos. 6) To identify indicator taxa (species or species groups) to be used as target organisms (or groups of organisms) for comparision of global patterns of biodiversity. 7) To investigate the relationship between phenotypical and genotypical of micro- and meiobenthic indicator taxa.
Taxonomic, phylogenetic and biogeographic studies of Plantae, Fungi and Protoctista. (01/01/1998-31/12/2000)
"Hypotheses concerning the evolutionary significance of biodiversity are investigated using a combination of phenetic and genetic analyses of a number of specific taxonomic groups belonging to different kingdoms. In addition to detailed studies of morphology, cytology and anatomy; molecular and genetic characteristics are used to study the nature and function of cryptobiodiversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the various groups of organisms."
Restoration of nature values in stagnant freshwaters : a study of the s tructure and functioning of the microbial loop and the trophic cascade in some model ecosystems. (01/01/1998-31/12/2000)
This project comprises a detailed, multidisciplinary analysis of the structure and functioning of the microbial loop and the interactions with the lower trophic levels of the food web in a number of model ecosystems which are to a different degree subject to anthropogenic impacts. This entails a description of the community structure of the functional components of the planktonic microbial constituents of the microbial loop.
Algological study of recent sediments and sediments of the last 1000 years of Lake Tanganyika. (01/01/1997-28/02/2001)
Multidisciplinary study of climatic changes with high resolution. High resolution analysis (annual) of the laminated sediments from Lake Tanganyika on algal composition (diatoms, chrysophytes,..) to try to reconstruct the paleo climate of the last 1000 years.
Reconstruction, monitoring and remediation of anthropogenic impacts on freshwater environments based on the use of biological indicator species. (01/01/1997-31/12/1999)
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of anthropogenic impacts on the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Ic comprises a multidisciplinary approach of the various aspects of cultural eutrophication of surface waters. The study consists of a series of analogous research activities focused on a number of lakes both in Chile and Flanders.
Studies on the plankton communities in New Guinea and Australia : the underwater light climate in lakes and its impact on the population structure and -dynamics of primary producers. (01/10/1994-)
Quantification of the spectral composition of the underwater light climate as one of the key factors in understanding the dynamics of primary producers.
B.E.S.T. - Biological evaluation of (11) beaches along the Flemish coast.
B-BLOOMS - Algal blooms: emerging problem for health and sustainable use of surface waters. DWTC-project 2003-2005.
MANSCAPE - Integrated management tools for water bodies in agriculture landscapes. DWTC-project 2003-2005.
TIDESED - Time-dependent changes in the optical properties of sediments detected with remote sensing. - DWTC-project.
The role of feeding strategies to determine the structure and biodiversity of diatom and copepoda communities. FWO
Biodiversity and spatio-temporal dynamics pf phytoplankton in Lake Tanganyika, with special emphasis on Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta - W&T co-operation Central and Eastern Europe. DWTC
Structure of phytoplankton communities & populations in shallow lakes: impact of local and regional factors. FWO
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