Research Interests

- Monitoring of freshwater systems and river restoration

The main objective of this topic research is to investigate how the diversity in species assemblages and functionality of rivers came about under the influence of various hydrological and ecological processes. By this way, we develop predictive models (based on mixed modelling and machine learning) and study the role of ecohydrological processes for sustainable river management and for promoting biodiversity and functionality of freshwater systems.


- The functionality of habitats by fish

This research topic aims to continue the work undertaken to understand how river management measures should be conducted to improve and maintain the functionality of habitats. This part involves a study of the seasonal dynamics and use of resources from which fish collect their energy using stable isotopes. Ultimately, we will meet two objectives: (1) to fill certain gaps in the functionality of habitats and the ecology of fish species and (2) to act specifically on the construction of distinct links between the recruitment/dispersal processes of juveniles and certain key environmental parameters which must be taken into account in the context of restoration and management.


- The use of two groups of aquatic flies (chironomids and caddisflies) to know the level of contamination, identify the contamination sources and assess risk of contaminant transfer to predators

This research topic examines contaminant accumulation in aquatic flies larvae and adults and employs a meta-community approach to assess landscape-scale control on bioaccumulation processes of contaminants in rivers and lakes. The outcomes have broad implications regarding the transfer of freshwater contaminants towards terrestrial food webs and more generally for large river contaminant research and management.



Questions


How does the diversity of species assemblages react to hydrological restoration measures? Are there confounding reasons for change in biodiversity following restoration (e.g. the spread of alien species, climate change, contaminants)? How do priority (fish) species behave in this context?

Can we develop tools to inform future river restorations?


Why is contaminant bioaccumulation so variable in large rivers? 

Does biodiversity of caddisflies reflect pollution in large rivers?

How well can we predict and measure transfer of contaminants towards terrestrial food webs in floodplains?

Does river restoration influence the accumulation of contaminant to aquatic insects?