Learning objectives
This is a full immersion course, that will be performed during 2 weeks (June 13-17 and June 20-24). It consists of a general introduction, a field trip (Mincio River, Mantua) aimed at the sampling of water, sediments, macrophytes and macroinvertebrates and of a series of laboratory activities to analyze the collected material.
Course unit content
With respect to water samples, sampling, laboratory and in situ methods for the analyses of key dissolved gas (O2, CO2, CH4, N20, N2), inorganic nutrients (NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, SiO2, PO43-), particulate matter, zooplankton and phytoplankton communities will be shown.
With respect to sediments, sampling, laboratory and in situ methods for the estimate of respiratory microbial activities (aerobic, total anaerobic, denitrification, sulphate, manganese and iron reduction, and methanogenesis) and of nutrient recycling will be shown.
With respect to macrophytes, sampling, laboratory and in situ methods for the analyses of primary production (leaf marking, biomass harvesting, dissolved oxygen and inorganic carbon exchange) and of the interactions between the rhyzosphere and the microbial community (radial oxygen loss, nitrification and denitrification) will be presented.
With respect to macroinvertebrates, sampling, laboratory and in situ methods for the quantitative collection and the analysis of the community and for the evaluation of multiple relationships between bioturbation, microbial metabolism and primary producers will be presented.
Bibliography
At the beginning of the course international scientific papers and slides dealing with all presented experimental activities will be available for students.
Teaching methods
Traditional lessons, in situ samples gathering, laboratory activities
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam will be based on a series of questions dealing with what was shown during the course. The candidate has to choose between multiple answers. The exam will be a few days after the end of the course.
