Search the EPA Research Database
Project Search Result
Project Code [2008-PhD-W-2]
This information is correct as of today and is updated from time to time by the EPA to reflect changes in the management of the project. Please check back regularly for updates.
Project title
Limno- and palaeo-ecological responses to lake water dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Limerick (UL)
Lead Applicant
Catherine Dalton
Project Abstract
A trend of increasing dissolved organic carbon in surface waters has been documented for areas of Northern Europe and North America in the last 15-20 years. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain these increases including land use changes, declines in acid deposition and anthropogenic climate change. Increased colour and humic content of surface waters has potentially critical effects on aquatic ecosystems as well as on drinking water production. This research will help establish (i) the present ecological response in bacterioplankton and phytoplankton populations and the recent palaeoecology of two lake systems, (ii) evaluate change in system state, (iii) assess the ecological response to increases in the DOC stressor and (iv) evaluate the potential roles of land use changes, declines in acid deposition, climate change and help inform predictions of future state.
Grant Approved
�94,645.00
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/10/2011