Since 2005 to 2007 4.2 Mio m³ of sediment from the port area of Hamburg have been dumped into the North Sea. Further campaigns followed in 2008 and even more are planned for the next years.

During these campaigns many biological, chemical and eco-toxicological investigations were performed to analyze the influence of excavated material on the benthos.

Unfortunately the analysis of the bacterial community was not included in the analyses of the dumping area until now. Bacteria form the basis of the marine ecosystem. They possess a high dividing rate and because of this they are able to adapt to changes in the ecosystem very fast.

During my work I will analyze the bacterial community via the fingerprinting method ARISA. Samples will be taken from the dumping site, fom port sediments and references sites. All data will be analyzed via multivariate statics also in view to sedimental, biological-oceanographic or chemical parameters.

• Contract research project: HPA (Hamburg Port Authority), LLUR (Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Umwelt und ländliche Räume des Landes Schleswig-Holstein), BfG (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde), NLWKN (Nds. Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz, BSt Norden-Norderney)
• POLMAR PhD student