4612 Oligotrophic lakes

Course Objectives

The course will give knowledge about oligotrophic lake ecosystems, their distribution, important catchment characteristics and physical, chemical, and biological components in the lake water. The many threats facing the quality of oligotrophic lakes will be discussed.

At the end of the course students will have knowledge about the quality and ecological status of different oligotrophic water bodies. They will understand the processes going on in oligotrophic lakes, both in clearwater and humic lakes and the effects of different environmental conditions on biotic and abiotic processes.
The students will be able to:
· characterize different oligotrophic water bodies

· identify main structural components, both abiotic and biotic

· understand important processes in oligotrophic lakes

· understand the mechanisms of stress and disturbance and identify major threats related to these lakes

· take part in discussions of proposals for monitoring and management programs in oligotrophic lakes

Learning Methods

Lectures.
Seminars with oral presentation of a written essay.
Laboratory work.

Course Description

· Major types of oligotrophic lakes

· geographical distribution, genesis and morphology

· catchment area

· physico-chemical parameters

· associations of living organisms

· important bioindicators in oligotrophic environments

· community, structure, interactions and seasonal dynamics

· eutrophication

· acidification

· heavy metals and organic pollution

· Watershed management and land use

· Management of oligotrophic lakes

Links:

Lake access, a cooperation program founded by EPA:
http://lakeaccess.org/index.html

EU WFD:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/index.html

Lake and river ecosystems:
http://waterontheweb.org/index.html

United Nations Water Portal:
http://www.unesco.org/water/

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme):
http://www.unep.org/vitalwater/

Assessment Methods

Written examination (60%).
Written essay with oral presentation (40%)

Pensum