Adaptive behaviour of chironomid larvae (Chironomus riparius) in response to chemical stimuli from predators and resource density

Chemical-mediated effects of predatory fish on chironomid larvae behaviour have been ignored so far. Sediment-dwelling chironomid larvae inhabit protective burrows from which they extend their bodies only to feed on deposited detritus and microalgae from the surrounding sediment. Here, we performed factorial laboratory experiments to study whether fish-borne chemical cues (kairomones) are responsible for behavioural trait changes of chironomid larvae, and whether chironomid larvae are able to assess the densities of fish predators and food resources and the trade-off between them. We exposed naïve Chironomus riparius larvae to the chemical presence of zero, one, and ten predator fish (Rutilus rutilus) and offered two resource levels (low food, high food) for each treatment. Kairomones induced significant inherent behavioural trait changes in chironomid larvae. During the first 120 min after exposing chironomids to fish-conditioned water, we found a significant increase in digging activity with increasing predator density. After 3 days of exposure, the deepest chironomid burrows were found in treatments with the highest predator density. Chironomid larvae were significantly able to adjust their foraging behaviour to different predator densities and food concentrations and trade off between them; that is, when fish predators were more abundant or when more food resources were available, the foraging activities of larvae were significantly reduced. Our data suggest that chemically mediated trait changes (burrowing and foraging behaviour) may cascade through the littoral food web.     

Charakterisierung von Holzasche aus Biomassefernheizwerken

Analyses of ashes from wood chips and bark combustion and research work about possibilities of utilization of these ashes showed that in general a mixture of bottom ash and cyclon fly-ash in the ratio as they occur in the plant can be used as a fertilizer and liming material. An important question is whether mineral impurities (sand, earth, stones) in the biomass are responsible for slagging on the grate (by lowering the melting point) because sintered and slagged ash with a particle size larger than 2 cm has to be sieved or milled before utilized. Furthermore, the influence of these impurities on the homogeneity of wood ash is important for taking and preparing samples for analysis. Usually, the occurring ash fractions in biomass district heating plants can only be volumetrically measured. In order to determine the actual mass flow and to proportion the ash-amounts for fertilization properly, it is necessary to know the bulk densities of the different ash fractions in dependence on the particle size and the biomass used. Moreover, the knowledge of the surface properties of fly-ash particles enables to evaluate the influencing variables on the process of heavy metal deposition from the flue gas to the fly-ash particles. This information represents the basis for a fractionated desublimation/condensation of heavy metals. The aim is to concentrate them in the filter fly-ash, because this smallest and finest ash fraction is cut off from the ash cycle and is disposed of. Conforming to these open questions, ashes from biomass district heating plants were examined. The facts and findings obtained represent the basis for technological measures in order to improve a closed cycle economy with wood ash.     

Nitrogen fluxes on an intensive investigation plot in the North Tyrolean limestone Alps

In the framework of this study, nitrogen fluxes on a limestone site are investigated. The major goals are the assessment of the nitrogen status, the estimation of the nitrogen budget and the evaluation of the nitrogen saturation. The investigation area, the intensive investigation plot and the research equipment are described.     

The ocean as part of the global carbon cycle

The ocean plays a central role in the global carbon cycle being by far the largest active reservoir. Atmospheric CO₂ level depends on the CO₂concentration in the ocean surface layer, which is relatively low compared to mean oceanic values due to biological and physical carbon pumps. Although the ocean may take up much of the carbon released by the increased burning of fossil fuels, this capacity is limited because of the chemical buffering and a mismatch in time scales (oceanic mixing is much slower than anthropogenic perturbations).     

Major challenges of integrating agriculture into climate change mitigation policy frameworks

Taking the European Union (EU) as a case study, we simulate the application of non-uniform national mitigation targets to achieve a sectoral reduction in agricultural non-carbon dioxide (CO₂) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Scenario results show substantial impacts on EU agricultural production, in particular, the livestock sector. Significant increases in imports and decreases in exports result in rather moderate domestic consumption impacts but induce production increases in non-EU countries that are associated with considerable emission leakage effects. The results underline four major challenges for the general integration of agriculture into national and global climate change mitigation policy frameworks and strategies, as they strengthen requests for (1) a targeted but flexible implementation of mitigation obligations at national and global level and (2) the need for a wider consideration of technological mitigation options. The results also indicate that a globally effective reduction in agricultural emissions requires (3) multilateral commitments for agriculture to limit emission leakage and may have to (4) consider options that tackle the reduction in GHG emissions from the consumption side.