SUPERVISOR: Christoph HAUER

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Peter FLÖDL

The measured and predicted increase in global temperature due to climate change leads to an intensification of the hydrological cycle with the consequence of an increase in the frequency of extreme events. In addition to floodings, droughts are one of the most economic, sociological and ecological threats induced by global warming. Moreover, especially the documented increase in heavy precipitation causes, that fine sediment is washed into the rivers on a frequent basis. The solid load has a chemically active component and hence, numerous contaminants and nutrients are transported in association especially with the < 63 μm fractions. Depending on physico-chemical as well as hydraulic conditions accumulated sediments can be both, sink and source, and as such, they may affect water and groundwater quality. Increasing combustion of fossil fuels leads to an increase in heavy metal emissions, which are distributed and further relocated in the environment. Especially the entry into ground and surface water bodies are demanding issues with respect to ecology, sustainable drinking water supply and food security. However, not only the non-point sources of contaminants and nutrients have an impact on the quality of water and sediments. On a national and international level, sewage treatment facilities are not designed under the aspect of increasing occurrences of low flows. Hence, it is possible that projected thresholds for the emission of treated wastewater into small to mid-size rivers may overtop the tolerance levels of the aquatic environment. The outcomes of the thesis should lead to national and international strategies for refeeding treated wastewater and fine sediment management in river basins under the aspect of climate change. 

The work is related to the HR21 Research Cluster (ii): Connectivity within HR, encompassing social, ecological, hydrological and landscape aspects addressing the transformation processes.