SITES AquaNet

A standardized infrastructure for researchers to run mesocosm experiments across lakes

Call for 2025 mesocosms experiments remains open!

You can apply to use the infrastructure using the form at the bottom of the page.

How will applications be evaluated? 

Researchers can apply to use any of the mesocosm facilities at Asa, Bolmen, Erken, Skogaryd and Svartberget (see lake descriptions). Applications will be assessed by a review panel consisting of the SITESAquaNet Coordinator, the facility mangers at the stations, and expert scientists, as needed. Applications will be accepted based on feasibility and scientific-merit, and priority will be given to projects using facilities at multiple SITES stations as well as applications by early career researchers.

SITES AquaNet offers

• Access to mesocosm equipment at five lakes spread across Sweden
• Technical support from qualified station personnel to run mesocosm experiments
• Established protocols to standardize both field and laboratory work
• Open access to data from previous AquaNet experiments as well as time series data in the lake and connecting stream(s) measured in the SITES Water monitoring program

Description of the infrastructure

The SITES AquaNet infrastructure is comprised of a floating platform containing mesososm enclosures, automatic sensors connected to a datalogging system and handheld sensors. A detailed description of the AquaNet infrastructure can be found in Urrutia-Cordero, P., et al. (2021). The following stations participate in AquaNet:

• Asa
• Bolmen
• Erken
• Skogaryd
• Svartberget

Mesocosm enclosures

The experimental platform consists of 144 floating connected blocks (50 × 100 × 40 cm). For the standard arrangement, the platform is organized to form five rectangular openings (size 1 × 7 m) where the mesocosms are located. The mesocosms are UV-resistant translucent cylindrical polyethylene containers (1.5 m deep, 0.8 m diameter) with a total volume of 700 L. In total, 20 mesocosms are available at each site, of which at least 16 can be equipped with an autonomous sensor system. In principle the platform is flexible and can accommodate different mesocosm setups, including the option to use polyethylene bags.

Sensor measurements

Several water quality variables (light, turbidity, temperature and oxygen, chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin concentrations) can be continuously monitored in each mesocosm with a set of sensors. The sensors are wired to a common cabinet where data is recorded and made available real-time. The sensor set-up allows for capturing ecological responses at a detailed temporal scale. In addition, handheld sensors offer the possibility to measure in-situ pH and conductivity. In principle, it is possible that researchers add their own instruments and equipment to the infrastructure, however, this requires careful planning together with SITES AquaNet.