Search for projects with tag "mesocosm"
[ID: 388] SITES Aquanet
PI: Johan Westin
A standardized infrastructure for researchers to run mesocosm experiments across lakes. The SITES AquaNet infrastructure is comprised of a floating platform containing mesososm enclosures, automatic sensors connected to a datalogging system and handheld sensors. Several water quality variables (light, turbidity, temperature and oxygen, chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin concentrations) can be continuously monitored in each mesocosm with a set of sensors. The sensors are wired to a common cabinet where data is recorded and made available real-time. The sensor set-up allows for capturing ecological responses at a detailed temporal scale. In addition, handheld sensors offer the possibility to measure in-situ pH and conductivity. In principle, it is possible that researchers add their own instruments and equipment to the infrastructure, however, this requires careful planning together with SITES AquaNet. A detailed description of the AquaNet infrastructure can be found in Urrutia-Cordero, P., et al. (2021). Several stations participate in AquaNet, and this project is related to activities at Svartberget. SLU.
[ID: 265] Experimental channels
PI: Lenka Kuglerova
In August 2020 a set of 12 artificial streams was built at Svartberget. The channels are 15 m long and 20 cm wide and are fed with water from the near-by C8 stream. The water is pumped into a 3000 l collection tank to sustain a constant flow (can vary between 0 and 1 l/s in each channel) by using an electric pump. The channels are designed in four triplets, each triplet is fed from a 1000 l manipulation tank and thus 4 levels of water treatments with 3 replicates each can be achieved. The slope of the channels can vary between 0 and 1.5 degrees and temperature can be manipulated due to a local electricity source. The bottom of the channels is covered by gravel and pebbles but can be manipulated (e.g., sand or organic layer aditions). The channels spills out to a forest floor, ensuring filtering water before reaching the C8 stream again. The channels are constructed to last at least 10 years, possibly longer.