Funding for MSc projects at the station can be applied for from the Lammi Biological Station Environmental Research Foundation.

Gonyostomum semen ecology

In small lakes, Gonyostomum semen, a green (Chloromonadophyceae) flagellated algae can form up to 90% of the phytoplankton biomass and is responsible for most of the primary production. The species undergoes a daily migration within the water column and makes use of the nutrients available in the sediments and in the hypolimnion. It is evident that G. semen also benefits from vertical migrations by avoiding zooplankton grazers and lowering its metabolic rate in the hypolimnion. However, the importance of these factors in the success of the species is still uncertain. This topic is suitable for a MSc level project and will be done in concert with the lake Valkea-Kotinen research project. The research will make use of experimental methods and take advantage of the species’ migratory behaviour. Ideally, the project would be done in  July and August. The research will be done at Lammi Biological Station, which has lodging, food and logistical help available. It is also possible to apply for a research grant from the Station’s  foundation. For more information contact Lauri Arvola.



Is enhanced Nitrogen removal necessary in freshwater ecosystems…

...or is natural N removal sufficient?  This MSc project will attempt to answer this question in Lake Vanajavesi. At present it is uncertain to what extent the nitrogen load is removed from the system through microbial processes (denitrification, anammox). Nitrogen related microbrial processes will be measured using a 15N method (isotope pairing technique), and other more cost effective methods will also be put into use.

Sampling and lab work will be done June-August and October-November 2011 as well as February-March 2012. Lab work will be done at Helsinki University’s Lammi Biological Station.

The position is suitable for a student who is nearing the research portion of their MSc degree and is willing to work both in the lab and the field and possesses a valid driver’s license. The project is suitable for students in the fields of hyrdrobiology, limnology, ecology and environmental sciences. The successful applicant will receive two months of salary, and it is also be possible to apply for a grant from the Station’s foundation (deadline 30.3.2011). For more information contact Lauri Arvola (tel: 358-503573079, lauri.arvola@helsinki.fi) and Antti Rissanen (antti.j.rissanen@jyu.fi).

Interested applicants should contact us as soon as possible, and at the latest by 15.4.2011.