1. Mobile telemetry and remote sensing module
This module aims to develop the capacities to collect data with a high degree of precision about the dispersal or migration capacity of some species as well as the data needed to identify different types of ecosystems and their spatial
extension. This will allow the development of knowledge regarding the distribution dynamics of different ecosystems, the intensity of land use and the degree of fragmentation of different types of ecosystems. Additionally, it will
permit the collection of high and very high resolution spatial data, with predetermined frequencies, or under the occurrence of extreme phenomena (e.g. foods, fires) and then the integration of these data with the existing monitoring
systems (e.g. satellite platforms, meteorological stations etc.).
Equipment
Drone type:
- UAV Quadcopter RTK/PPK for the precision mapping of the vegetation
- Fixed wing UAV
Sensors:
- Sony RX1 RII
- Zenmuse L1
- Zenmuse P1
2. Investigating ecological processes (sensors, advanced processing) andecosystem experimentation
This module is part of an integrated vision developed for the entire project, which involves field data acquisitions using automated stations, drones for data collection, satellite systems, along with devices used by researchers, and
other types of data (including historical data). Additionally, the project aims to develop experimental capabilities both in the field and in the laboratory to enable the investigation of ecological processes at different spatial
and temporal scales.
Equipment
Monitoring aquatic ecosystems
Development of the system for monitoring the characteristics of aquatic systems in the long term (ICP-M standard). The purchase of probes (2 pieces) multiparameter (YSI type) which allows the determination of 13 parameters in a long-term
continuous regime (pH, conductivity, NO3, NH4, Cl, DO%, O2, water temp, ORP, turbidity, depth, salinity, chlorophyll a) and data storage.
- AquaPen AP 110/P
- BBE Moldaenke Bentho Torch
- YSI multiparameter probe for oxygen, tds, temperature, ammonium, nitrate, chloride, conductivity, orp with sensors and cables included
- YSI EXO 3, multiparameter probe with sensors for depth, total alae, fDOM turbidity
Monitoring terrestrial ecosystems vegetation
This module is dedicated to investigations in terrestrial ecosystems allowing in particular of the following essential variables for different compartments, involved both in storage and in nutrient cycling.
- CI 203 – Wand Leaf Area Meter
- Dendrometer ZN12-T-2IP
- Mc-100 Chlorophyll Concentration Meter
- Explore Premium Digital Endoscope
- LI-7810 (CO2, H20, CH4)
- AQMesh small sensor air quality monitoring system
- CI-600 Root Scanner
- RP-400 Poly-PlantPen
- Nikon Forestry Pro Laser RangeFinder
- Pesola PTS3000 General Electronic Scale
- LI-850 (CO2, H20)
- LI-8100A (CO2 soil respiration)
- PSY1 Stem Psychrometer
3. Bird population-biodiversity identification and monitoring at the species level
This module aims to provide an long-term, large-scale data base for biodiversity identification at the species level and it is composed of two monitoring techniques: an audio-recording identification and a fauna video-recording identification.
This module includes:
• a system with compressed air and nets for capturing birds;
• a scope and binoculars for observation bird population;
• a camera with various objectives for the photo-documentation of birds and a specific habitats;
• a unit for the processing and storage of bird population data;
Audio recording- biodiversity identification and monitoring module at species level
The audio recording submodule includes various spatially distributed microphones for recording ambient sounds produced by various species as well as storage units of information.
Aim:
•Obtaining sufficiently replicated, large-scale, and long-term data;
•Acoustic monitoring initiatives- For vocal taxa like mammals, birds, bats, frogs and insects, the use of automated audio recording emerges as a potent tool;
•Development of comprehensive reference audio databases;
Equipment:
- Song Meter SM4BAT FS Full-Spectrum (x10)
- SMM-U2 External Ultrasonic Microphone (x6)
Fauna Monitoring Video Cameras – biodiversity identification and monitoring module at species level
This module includes various wildlife monitoring cameras spatially distributed as well as information storage units.
Aim:
•Having a non-intrusive and efficient means of capturing wildlife interactions and behavior;
•Providing unprecedented opportunities for researchers to gather high-resolution imagery and video footage of elusive and often nocturnal species;
•Minimizing disturbance to the ecosystems under investigation;
•Overcoming traditional limitation of monitoring techniques;
•Providing a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics by monitoring wide range of wildlife;
Equipment:
HP2X HyperFire 2 Professional Covert IR Camera (x16)
4. Sensors for in situ experiments-investigation of ecological processes and ecosystem experimentation
This module aims to provide scientific data regarding in situ experiments by using a wide range of sensors that can determine parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, conductivity. It will also be equipped for carrying out chemical
analyses of soil solution without exposing them to atmospheric O2.
Equipment:
Sensors:
- Kipp Zonen PQS1 and CUV 5 sensor
- Data logger for Kipp Zonen sensors
- PAR sensor
- Soil moisture sensors (Cosmic ray samples)
Video cameras:
- Fulcrum CloudCam panoramic nebula video camera
- STardot Techonologies phenology video camera – CAM-SEC5IR5 Megapixel Camera, Day/Night, 4 mm lens
Several other sensors for soil and water tempersture, dissolved oxigen conductivity, etc.:
o Portable console with display and memory for in-situ reading of three-parameter sensors GS3 or another model, type ProCheck, METER Group, USA;
o Transducer for air temperature and relative humidity, barometric pressure and water vapor pressure, in radiation protection shield, type ATMOS-14, METER Group, USA
o Hyper-spectral radiometer ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res NG Spectroradiometer
o ALL-IN-ONE Kipp & Zonnen RaZON+ solar monitoring system
Genetics laboratory for ecosystem studies in wetlands
The genetics and molecular biology module incorporates a wide range of cutting-edge equipment with versatile applicability, allowing for studies in taxonomy, phylogeny, biodiversity, proteomics, and metabolomics on macro- and microorganisms from terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Research potential
Multi and trans-disciplinary research in ecosystems and sustainability with focus on:
- Dynamics of the ecological systems- structural configuration under the action of anthropogenic/climatic factors
- Ecosystem processes- understanding and quantification
- Key ecosystem services- identification and assessment
- Social analysis for biodiversity assessment
- Genetics and molecular biology – taxonomy, phylogeny, biodiversity, proteomics, and metabolomics on macro- and microorganisms
- Analysis of energy flow and mass-transfer within socio-ecological complexes
- Policies analysis and scientific support for the implementation process
Equipment for the preliminary phases, extraction, and purification of nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides.
This includes: a cooling centrifuge (-40°C), a PCR hood with UV lamp and adjustable airflow, a digital thermoblock for incubating samples at temperatures between -10°C and +110°C, and a spectrophotometer for measuring the purity and concentration of DNA, RNA, and protein extracts.
Equipment for highlighting and separating nucleic acids and proteins
Includes horizontal and vertical electrophoresis systems and a transilluminator for visualizing DNA and RNA molecules, equipped with a gel imaging system.
Nucleotide sequencing, Western blot, MALDI-TOF
Storing samples at different temperatures (temperature values ranging from +10°C to -90°C)
Refrigerators, freezers, and deep freezers adjustable to depending on the nature of the analyzed sample