Florence Nansumbi presents freshwater research on Ugandan streams at the DGL conference

Florence presented her research, entitled “Effects of land use on nutrient concentrations and the composition of colored dissolved organic matter in Afro-tropical headwater streams”. Her study focuses on how land use impacts water quality in tropical freshwater systems in Uganda. Her work provides crucial insights into the effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems through exploring nutrient dynamics and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in these streams. The study revealed that human-dominated streams exhibited significantly higher nutrient concentrations and a shift in the composition of organic matter -from a natural signal to one heavily influenced by human activity.

Florence's participation in the conference not only enriched her academic experience, but also provided a platform for professional growth, collaboration, insights into her work and networking with fellow researchers. The conference was a pivotal moment in advancing her knowledge and contributing to the broader scientific discourse on freshwater conservation.

Florence is currently based at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, where her research continues to explore the impacts of human activities on biogeochemical cycles and functioning as an indicator of stream health. Prior to that, she worked as a research assistant at the Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University, Uganda. She holds an inter-university  master’s degree in marine and lacustrine science and management from the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, the University of Antwerp and Ghent University in Belgium.