Microcosms

The facility

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) houses 36x10L microcosms ((transparent polycarbonate carboys; NALGENE, Rochester, USA) for plankton research. The microcosms can be temperature-controlled in water baths (at 0.5 °C temperature resolution), and automatically stirred through magnetic stirrers mounted below the water baths. All experimental vessels can receive a constant air supply filtered through 0.2-micron airvents. PHILIPS TLD 30W/33 coolwhite fluorescent tubes can be used as a light source, with day-night cycles adjusted through time clocks.

Research topics

Harmful algal blooms, climate change, plankton dynamics

References

• de Senerpont Domis, L.N., Van De Waal, D.B., Helmsing, N.R., Van Donk, E., Mooij, W.M. (2014) Community stoichiometry in a changing world: Combined effects of warming and eutrophication on phytoplankton dynamics. Ecology 95, 1485-1495.
• de Senerpont Domis, L.N., Bartosiewicz, M., Davis, C., Cerbin, S. (2013) The effect of small doses of toxic cyanobacterial food on the temperature response of Daphnia galeata: Is bigger better? Freshwater Biology 58, 560-572.
• de Senerpont Domis, L.N., Mooij, W.M., Huisman, J. (2007) Climate-induced shifts in an experimental phytoplankton community: A mechanistic approach. Hydrobiologia 584, 403-413.

Running period (guaranteed funding)

2004 - Undetermined

Equipment / facilities

Each microcosm has a dedicated sampling tube (inner diameter =56 mm) allowing for integrated water sampling of the water column. These sampling tubes are equipped with mountable 30 micron and 60 micron plankton  filters, allowing for size fractionation of plankton. Equipment and facilities available for analysing microcosm data are described in the factsheets on aquatic laboratories and on the flowcytometry and cell sorting lab.  

Data management 

All data are managed according to the NIOO Research data policy, which is in compliance with FAIR data guidelines. Available datasets are available through DRYAD (arising from publications) or upon request (not covered in publications).

Conditions for access

Access to the microcosms should be requested at NIOO-KNAW through the contact person.