BSc or MSc theses on pesticide sensitivity of aquatic fungi at Uni Koblenz-Landau

We are looking for a student interested in a BSc or MSc project on the topic “Improving effect projection: sensitivity of aquatic hyphomycetes to pesticide exposure” to join our working group “Functional Aquatic Ecotoxicology”.

Aquatic environmental risk is usually based on sensitivity data from three trophic levels that are often reflected by algae, Daphnia and fish. However, there is little information on the sensitivity of beneficial microbial decomposers, such as aquatic fungi, which are considered as central for the ecosystem function of leaf litter decomposition. In this project we develop a standardized testing system for aquatic hyphomycete species, which starts with the identification of a sensitive representative. Subsequently, a refinement of the test protocol is envisaged.  

The candidate should have some experience in the laboratory and is ideally familiar with handling microorganisms and working with chemicals. Statistical knowledge and hands-on experience with “R” is an asset. Start date is flexible.

In case of interest or questions please consult either Sara Goncalves (goncalves@uni-landau.de), Patrick Baudy (baudy@uni-landau.de), Jochen Zubrod (zubrod@uni-landau.de), or Mirco Bundschuh (bundschuh@uni-landau.de).