02Applied Ecology & Global Change
This research line aims to apply the knowledge on ecosystems functioning as a basis for the design of nature-based and innovative solutions.
The Applied Ecology & Global Change line promotes the study of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with an emphasis on assessing their response and resilience to different impacts. We particularly focus on microbial communities relevant for ecosystem functioning. These communities are also used as biological model to test for the direct and indirect effects of different stressors related with global change on freshwater ecosystems.
This research line aims to apply the knowledge on ecosystems functioning, and the respective services provided, as a basis for the design of nature-based and innovative solutions aiming the achievement of the global change impacts mitigation.
Within this research line, the BETA Center offers:
(i) Monitoring of the physicochemical and biological quality of inland aquatic systems, using conventional tools and ICT;
(ii) Ecological impact assessment through field studies and laboratory experiments, including artificial streams and ponds;
(iii) Planning, implementation and evaluation of nature-based solutions as a tool for flood risk impacts reduction, mitigation of the impacts generated by agriculture and livestock activities on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment;
(iv) Design citizen science activities as a tool for awareness and research on aquatic ecosystems.
