Learning objectives
The course provides the basis for the analysis and evaluation of the functioning of lotic and lentic aquatic systems (e.g., measures of metabolism, trophic state, deoxygenation risk, inefficiency in the macronutrient cycle). It supports students in writing and understanding a report or scientific literature.
The course is designed for undergraduates in Environmental Sciences and Ecology; It is not a course in environmental analytical chemistry although students learn to use different analytical techniques.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are needed from students
Course unit content
The course "Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology" is a theoretical-practical course organized in three modules.
Module 1 is related to the analysis of gases of biological interest (O2, CO2, CH4, N2, N2O), to the measurement of their sediment-water and water-atmosphere fluxes and to the analysis of the factors regulating their dynamics.
Module 2 deals with the use of the stable isotope 15N for the quantification of microbial processes involved in the aquatic nitrogen cycle (ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, nitrate ammonification and anammox).
Module 3 deals with the analysis of phosphorus pools, bioavailability and transport patterns from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. A specific study is related to the redox-dependent processes that determine the mobility of phosphorus and metals such as Fe and Mn in deoxygenated environments.
The three modules are addressed at a theoretical level, with presentations that report the analytical and experimental protocols, and through experiments that are carried out in the field and in the laboratory by the students. The samples collected by the students during the experimental phases are analyzed in the field by means of portable measurement systems (e.g., LiCor greenhouse gas analyzers, multiparameter probes, microprofiling systems), in the laboratories of the Podere Ambolana Moroni (spectrophotometry, potentiometry, amperometry, gravimetry, titrations and atomic absorption spectroscopy) or at the University of Ferrara (mass spectrometry).
Full programme
Module 1
- Analytical methods for the measurement of O2, CO2, CH4, N2, N2O (microelectrodes, planar optodes, titrations, spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry)
- Incubations of micro and mesocosms for metabolism measures (primary production, aerobic, anaerobic and total respiration)
-In situ measurements of greenhouse gas exchanges between water and atmosphere using floating chambers and portable meters.
Module 2
Use of 15NO3, 15NH4+, and 30N2 and mass spectrometry for measurements of microbial rates of ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, nitrate ammonification, and anammox.
- Measurement of the nitrogen cycle in mesocosms with vegetated and bioturbated sediments and in control sediments.
Module 3
- Speciation and characterization of phosphorus pools in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (sequential extractions, spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy)
- Microcosm analysis of phosphorus, iron and manganese mobility in relation to water deoxygenation.
Bibliography
The analytical methods are extracted from the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater and are made available in Italian and English. All the supporting material for the three modules (e.g., incubation protocols, experimental protocols for isotope measurements, sequential extraction of phosphorus from sediments) are reported in a handout uploaded on the Elly portal of the course. Scientific papers are also uploaded as learning support material.
Teaching methods
The course is theoretical and practical. The practical part is carried out through experiments that generate samples. The experiments are planned in order to be able to apply statistical tests, answer precise questions and formulate technical opinions.
The samples are analyzed by the students under the guidance of experts.
The practical part always anticipates the theoretical one, which serves to create a context and to interpret field and laboratory experiences. The theoretical part always includes case studies that allow students to understand the potential applications of the analyses and tests carried out.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of a written test with multiple-choice problems.
Other information
In case of the presence of Erasmus students, the course is offered in English.
