Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2001/00217
What do chironomid larvae in lakes really eat? A pilot study using stable isotope analysis.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr TG Piearce, Lancaster University, Biological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- Lancaster University, Biological Sciences
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- Chironomid larvae occur at high densities in lake sediments and constitute an important link between pelagic and benthic food webs. It has generally been assumed that chironomid larvae feed directly upon sedimented fine detrital material (mainly algal cells). However, recent stable isotope analyses of chironomid larvae from two contrasting lake types (Loch Ness and Esthwaite Water) showed remarkable 13C depletion in these organisms, inconsistent with direct utilisation of detritus. We hypothesise that these 13C depleted larvae may reflect the involvement of microbial intermediaries during the assimilation of detrital material by chironomid larvae. Before tackling this hypothesis we wish to undertake a pilot study to identify 1) how widespread is this 13C depletion within and between lakes and 2) which chironomid species commonly exhibit marked 13C depletion. The results from the pilot study will be used to formulate a standard grant application.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2001/00217
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £31,506
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16,067 | £5,811 | £2,237 | £7,391 |
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