Master thesis proposal 30 or 60 credits

This project will test how rewetting of peatlands can affect aquatic ecosystem services of downstream waters (small streams). Specifically, we will test how algal biomass growth changes when a peatland stream/ditch is rewetted. The goal is to determine the “natural” seasonal variability and succession in biomass in pristine peatland streams and compare that to ditched and rewetted streams. There is a lot of flexibility in this project as it comes to study design, research questions and site selection. The project involves fieldwork rather than labwork. There are also possibilities to get community data if it is a 60 credit thesis.

The research question could be as follows:

- How does peatland rewetting affect algal biomass growth/succession/seasonality (potentially composition)?

We will find suitable sites of pristine, ditched and rewetted peatlands where we can measure algal biomass over time. This field survey will be carried out during the open water season (May-October) but can be combined with a normal job if needed. Sampling 1 day per week from May to Oct is sufficient (with help of a field assistant when needed). There is a possibility to collaborate with the county board of Västerbotten in some of their recent rewetting efforts e.g. Starrmyran or Torsmyran.