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Energy Status of the Macroinvertebrate Community as a Proxy for Urban Stream Health

Category
Projekti Hrvatske zaklade za znanost
Total cost
199.887,50
EUR
Start date
Dec 5th 2025
End date
Dec 4th 2028
Status
Active
More information
Project Web page

Principal investigator

Marijana Erk, dr. sc.

Marijana.Erk@irb.hr

+385 1 638 4422

The primary goal of this project is to develop methodologies for the collection of data crucial for establishment of a universal, integrated indicator for the assessment of the health of urban streams based on changes in the metabolic energy balance of the resident biota. This indicator would help to reveal the anthropogenic impacts on urban stream ecosystems. The project will analyse chemical contaminants in the water, community structure (biodiversity and the abundance) of macroinvertebrates, alongside quantifying physiological parameters that reflect the energy status and antioxidant capacity of these organisms. By focusing on taxa from different trophic levels and ecological functions, the project aims to collect data that will help determine the overall health of urban streams, assess anthropogenic impacts at different sites and evaluate their seasonal variability. Combining chemical, biological, and ecophysiological approaches will provide a comprehensive understanding of how urban stream ecosystems respond to human influences. Dissemination activities for the project will include presenting the results at conferences, publishing scientific articles, and organizing a 3-day workshop aimed at PhD students in biology, environmental science, ecology, and related disciplines. The workshop will demonstrate the research methodologies developed within the project, including hands-on training, discussions on new analytical techniques, and collaborative brainstorming on creating an Urban Stream Health Index based on the available data. These dissemination activities will also provide a platform for feedback, guiding the future direction of research and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. As a final point, the results of this project will provide new insights that can contribute to improving the management and protection of urban streams and their ecosystem services.

Energy Status of the Macroinvertebrate Community as a Proxy for Urban Stream Health