CEI 2017: Salem/USA: Following Nature’s Example (2)

„Sustainable Measurements Supporting Ecosystems in the Alpine Region: Mountain Waters and Human Influence” 

Project Group Austria 2

In 2017 we continued the analysis of two small lakes in the alpine area without human influence and two other lakes with swimming area and regeneration area for wildlife. Then we again compared the results of the investigation about these aquatic ecosystems to find out about this year’s changes due to a long cold period of minus 20 degrees centigrade for all four and human influence on two lakes. This project module comprised excursions and activities in a dinghy, taking samples and laboratory work using reversing microscope.

And we wanted to find out for the rivers and lakes: How do different ways of using mountain water influence physically and chemical factors? Which saprobies, plankton and bacteria do we find? 

Therefore, we accomplished ecological projects, some of them together with primary students of the 3^rd form at our school pond and the Oberweg creek. We continued with chemical, physical and biological studies of the river Pöls and the four lakes. The results are presented to the public as part of a special art project called “Humility” with the aim to increase appreciation for an intact nature.