Ecohydrology

Timetable

Lectures: 15 h, 2 h a week plus 1 h last week

Lab classes: 15 h, 2 h a week plus 1 h last week

In addition to the course coordinator, classes will be conducted by dr. Łukasz Wejnerowski 

Module aim (aims)

1. Introduction to the concept of ecohydrology as a system approach to the protection and management of surface water quality
2. Presentation of the importance of the catchment's influence on the quality of surface waters and the analysis of models of functioning of various types of aquatic ecosystems in the context of the catchment's influence
3. Discussion of the concept of the river continuum and the importance of the river continuum in different catchment conditions for the quality of river waters.
4. Developing students' skills to interpret intrabiocoenotic dependencies and their significant impact on water quality
5. Developing students' competencies in the field of dissemination of knowledge about the need to manage water in accordance with the principle of sustainable development

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basic knowledge (at the level of undergraduate studies) on ecological interrelations in the ecosystem, with particular emphasis on the aquatic ecosystem

Syllabus

List of topics

1: Basic assumptions of ecohydrology

2: Biogeochemical cycle and pollution transport

3: Dual regulation and other principles for ecohydrology activities

4: Types of aquatic ecosystems and the matter circulation I                

5: Types of aquatic ecosystems and the matter circulation II                

6: Features and typology of the catchment

7: Typology of pollution sources in the catchment                    

8: The river continuum concept

9: Catchments features and human-made changes to the catchments and the water quality in lakes and rivers 

10: Sample groups of aquatic organisms and relationships between them in the ecosystem I

11: Sample groups of aquatic organisms and relationships between them in the ecosystem II   

12: Sample groups of aquatic organisms and relationships between them in the ecosystem III

13: Ecotones as buffer zones for nutrient run-off: the significance of abiotic processes and biotic influences   

14: Phytotechnologies - examples of ecohydrological solutions

15: Socio-economic determinants of the use of water resources and their protection

Reading list

Zalewski M., Wagner-Lotkowska I. : Integrated watershed management. Ecohydrology & Phytotechnology. Manual. United Nation Environment Programme, United Nations Publications, 2004