Welcome!

 

Research targets

Currently, we focus on four major topics:

(1) Ecotoxicology of chemicals such as pesticides and ionic liquids. We test, if and how microalge react to the exposure of chemicals.

(2) Ecology of aquatic environments. Here we concentrate on the relationships between algae and environmental, and biological factors determining their distribution (e.g., nutrients, grazing, virus infections, irradiance and carbon supply). We also study special habitats, such as tufa springs, soil, rocks, thermal springs, salty inland waters and phytotelmata.

(3) Autecology of certain algae taxa, some of them treasures in temperate waters (e.g. Gloeotaenium, Kyliniella).

(4) Calcifying algae in marine (Padina pavonica) and freshwater systems (Oocardium stratum). Central questions are the potential protective role of carbonate layers against excess irradiance and grazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Axel Gauer, Ana Pfleger, Markus Gruber-Brunhumer and Ulrich Donabaum just finished their studies recently. Contratulations and many thanks for the good vibrations!