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Aquatic-terrestrial linkages in Afrotropical lakes and rivers using stable hydrogen isotopes

Objective

Understanding ecological functioning of large aquatic ecosystems provides an essential framework for conservation and management of aquatic resources. The degree to which aquatic and terrestrial primary production fuel Afrotropical aquatic food webs remains poorly understood, since quantifying the relative contributions of these resources is methodologically challenging. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios have provided valuable insights regarding the contributions of terrestrial resources, but this approach has limitations in its resolving power. Recently, the promising use of stable hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) has gained attention to complement those ‘traditional’ isotopes for aquatic food webs due to their greater power of separation between aquatic and terrestrial subsidies. However, measurements of δ2H of complex organic materials have faced several methodological issues related to the isotopic H exchange and the effect of residual moisture in samples. This proposal will combine the expertise of applicant in H isotopes and the host group expertise in tropical aquatic biogeochemistry to link terrestrial inputs to invertebrate and fish productivity in the Congo River basin and Lake Edward to understand their ecosystem functioning, building on a large set of available samples (Congo River) as well as new fieldwork (L. Edward). The aims of this research are: to test new preparation systems to control H exchangeability and absorbed water for H isotope analysis; and to quantify to which extent aquatic communities in the Congo River basin and L. Edward depend on aquatic and terrestrial primary production using a multiple tracer approach during different hydrological conditions, and over different temporal scales (recent versus historical, using museum-archived specimens). The information obtained through this project will be of direct relevance for the conservation and management of important goods and services offered by these ecosystems (i.e. fisheries).

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

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Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 172 800,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 172 800,00
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