Investigating the pathways and mechanisms of methane derived carbon in upland streams
PhD Aims:
- To better understand the phenomena of methane’s incorporation into freshwater food webs
- This will be through:
1) the use of spatial data and stable isotope analysis on brown trout to identify characteristics driving methane derived carbon (MDC) within the trout;
2) identifying vector organisms for MDC pathways; and
3) assessment of seasonal differences in stream methane concentrations and methanotroph/methanogen communities
PhD Objectives:
- Investigate the catchment characteristics driving heightened methane derived carbon levels in brown trout within the Tweed
- Identify the vectors to which MDC travels from source through the food web with the use of stable isotopes
- Quantify the importance of MDC as an energy source for upland stream organisms
- Understand the spatial and temporal differences in methane concentrations within upland streams
- Investigate the changes in the microbial community diversity associated with catchments whose organisms contain high levels of methane derived carbon
Contact Details:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @Hinchliffe_m