Urban Hyporheic Zones

Common aim

We aim at a mechanistic understanding of interface processes in urban hyporheic zones (HZ), at enlightening the relevance of the interface for the retention of organic micropollutants and at an identification of the close coupling of hydrological, microbiological and chemical processes.

Key processes

Multidimensional flow and reactive transport
Near bed turbulence
Contaminant/micropollutant retention/degradation
Biotic and abiotic aerobic and anaerobic transformations (including bank filtration)
Redox gradients
Ecological consequences

Integrated approaches

In situ investigations and manipulations of hydrology, microbiology, biogeochemistry and micropollutants on small scales, column and batch experiments, flume, multidimensional flow and reactive transport modelling based on measured data (e.g. Erpe experiments), creation of knowledge for improved design of river restoration.

Collaborations

Joint studies and studies at the same sampling site coupling microbiology, biogeochemistry, and hydrology for a better process understanding; combination of field investigations and modelling.