Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater is essential for life. Multiple anthropogenic stressors have contributed to declines of aquatic biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions and services. A mechanistic understanding of the water cycle and the ecology of freshwater systems is essential for deducing recommendations for their conservation and restoration.

The aim of the research area “Freshwater Ecosystems” is to tackle global challenges in water science across disciplines, to advance the fundamental understanding of the driving forces which govern the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and their spatio-temporal patterns of biodiversity, and to translate such knowledge into strategies for sustainable environmental management.

To learn more about this research focus within the TUM School of Life Sciences within the Department of Life Science Systems, please contact: aquasys@tum.de

Project highlights

Dive in for a deeper understanding and get to know selected projects on freshwater ecosystems.

Video Insights

Ecostreams for LIFE

A river restoration project in northern of Sweden (Prof. Geist)

Alte Saale

Species conservation in Thuringia (Dr. Pander/Prof. Geist)

MiPAq

Evaluation of microplastics using ecotoxicological test systems (Dr. Beggel / Prof. Geist)