Specializace

I study aquatic ecosystems, such as reservoirs, fishponds, and rivers. I want to get a better understanding of water movement (hydrodynamics) as a crucial aspect for aquatic ecology. My PhD topic suggests an assessment of the potential control of hydrodynamics on nutrient fluxes across the sediment-water interface (SWI). In particular, on how flow conditions can affect the availability of alternative terminal electron acceptors at the SWI during the degradation of organic matter. Methodologically speaking, I am combining flume experiments and in-situ sampling techniques, together with simple numerical modelling. For velocity measurements I use acoustic Doppler technologies (ADCP and ADV). For nutrients concentrations at the interface I rely on Diffusive Equilibrium Thin-layer (DIT, also called mini-peepers), oxygen optodes, as well as electrical conductivity measurements. Accurate estimations of interfacial fluxes require high spatio-temporal resolution, what challenges available instrumentation capabilities.

Stručný životopis

I am a Civil Engineer by background, specialized on Hydraulics. My Batchelor thesis dealt with flow field characterization using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry, while during my Master studies I investigated hydrodynamics of fish habitat. Then I worked for the Chilean State on projects related to reservoirs, irrigation canals, water management, and water rights. Afterwards, I moved to the private consultancy sector working as a Hydraulic Engineer in river studies. It mainly involved hydrology, sediment transport, hydraulic modelling, and flood tracking. I started my PhD studies with the aim of elucidating what is the role that hydrodynamics plays in controlling nutrient fluxes, across the sediment-water interface, in water bodies that are vulnerable to eutrophication.