| title: | Benthic-pelagic interactions and stability of the ecosystem in large shallow lakes |
|---|---|
| reg no: | SF0362483s03 |
| project type: | targeted financing |
| subject: |
1.10-1.16. Bio-Geo Sciences |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences |
| head of project: | Külli Kangur |
| duration: | 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2007 |
| description: | This study focuses on processes in the littoral zone and in the water-sediment interface of L. Peipsi, which determine resilience and stability of the lake¿s ecosystem. The littoral can be considered as an barrier for lake ecosystem; influence of human impact and water level fluctuations appear there most intensively. Unlike well investigated processes in open water, little is known about the structure and functioning of littoral communities. We will elucidate why reed-belt is expanding in L. Peipsi in contrast to many European lakes where reed shows a severe loss in vitality. Our previous study showed a biological resilience in response to decreased nutrient input to L. Peipsi. The ecological status of shallow well-mixed lakes can be largerly determined by release of nutrients from sediment and impact of bottom animals on plankton, which have not yet been studied. Hence, the aim of our investigations is to assess the effect of benthic food web on the pelagic community and water quality in L. Peipsi. Since complicated processes in the water-sediment interface are influenced by several factors, complex studies of sediment and biota will be conducted. Data from L. Võrtsjärv and other large shallow lakes will be used for comparison. The group is active in international projects (current Peipsi MANTRA-East). This project will expand knowledge of mechanisms of matter circulation in L. Peipsi. The results can be used in prognostigation of development of this important lake for Estonia. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Lilian Freiberg | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | magistrant | |
| 2. | Juta Haberman | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 3. | Marina Haldna | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | programmeerija/statistik | |
| 4. | Aino Kallejärv | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | laborant | |
| 5. | Andu Kangur | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 6. | Külli Kangur | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 7. | Peeter Kangur | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | teadur/doktorant | |
| 8. | Margit Kumari | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | magistrant | |
| 9. | Reet Laugaste | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 10. | Kristiina Lobjakova | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | laborant magistrant | |
| 11. | Anu Milius | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 12. | Helle Mäemets | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | teadur/doktorant | |
| 13. | Evely Mälton | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | laborant/üliõpil. | |
| 14. | Tõnu Möls | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 15. | Ervin Pihu | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | v. teadur | |
| 16. | Triin Tammai | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | laborant/üliõpil. | |
| 17. | Marek Tuul | Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian University of Life Sciences | magistrant | |