AQUA-BIOPRESS

Bioindicators and anthropogenic pressures in aquatic systems of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve

Project summary

The project aims to investigate the diversity of planktonic and periphytic communities in freshwater ecosystems of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, with the goal of understanding the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on their structure and function. Field research will be conducted during spring and summer under different hydrological conditions. The physicochemical parameters of the water, as well as planktonic and periphytic communities, will be analysed using standard species identification methods and modern molecular analysis techniques. The stable isotope method will be used to monitor food web interactions, carbon and nitrogen sources, and the impact of organic matter input from land on aquatic ecosystems. The experimental part of the research will be conducted under controlled conditions and will enable assessment of the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on the target communities. The project will foster international cooperation and provide professional training for doctoral and postdoctoral students. All collected data will be consolidated in a structured digital database. The project results will contribute to strengthening research capacities, and improving understanding of ecological changes in freshwater ecosystems. The results will also enable long-term and effective management of natural resources, with the aim of preserving ecological balance and promoting the sustainable development of the world's first transboundary biosphere reserve, which extends across the territory of five countries and is under UNESCO protection.

Jun 23, 2026

Ninth meeting held within the AQUA-BIOPRESS project

On 15 June 2026, the ninth meeting was held as part of the project “Bioindicators and Anthropogenic Pressures in Aquatic Systems of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve” (AQUA-BIOPRESS). Prof. Tanja Žuna Pfeiffer chaired the meeting. The team discussed the field research conducted in May, planned further field and laboratory research for July, and noted that the research would be presented at the Kopački rit symposium – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, 2026. Team members received promotional materials and T-shirts. The project is funded by the European Union under the Next Generation EU programme.

Jun 23, 2026

Field research continued in June

In June 2026, field research continued as part of the project “Bioindicators and Anthropogenic Pressures in Aquatic Systems of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve” (AQUA-BIOPRESS), funded by the European Union under the Next Generation EU programme. Research on environmental conditions and biotic communities was carried out on the Drava, Danube and Mura rivers, Lake Halaševo, Lake Sakadaški, and the Stara Mura morass in Podturen. Students also participated in the field research and will take part in processing the collected samples.