Susana Bernal Berenguer

Tenured Scientist | Head of Department of Ecology of Inland Waters

Department

Inland Waters

Research group

Integrative Freshwater Ecology

Contact

sbernal@ceab.csic.es

Phone

972336101

Publication profiles

NºORCID:

0000-0002-6726-8840

Susana Bernal Berenguer

Tenured Scientist | Head of Department of Ecology of Inland Waters

Main Research Lines:

Environmental factors and biogeochemical processes responsible for the variability in the export of carbon and nutrients in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Response of forest and river ecosystems to environmental change.
Hydrological and biogeochemical links between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Transformation and retention of nutrients in urban rivers.

PROJECTS

Mitigation of diffuse nitrate pollution from agricultural sources through the recovery of ecological functions (ENEO3)

By studying the relationship between rivers, aquifers, and terrestrial environments, ENEO3 examines how natural self-purification processes can help improve water quality. The project focuses on denitrification, a key biogeochemical process that converts nitrates into nitrogen gas, thereby reducing water pollution caused by excess nitrogen.

Wastewater in High Mountain Areas: Impact on Microbial Communities and Strategies for Its Mitigation (RAMi)

The project aims to design nature-based wastewater treatment solutions specifically adapted to high-mountain conditions.

Monitoring river metabolism to assess ecosystem services (BREATHE)

BREATHE develops a global, sensor-based system to monitor river health through dissolved oxygen and river metabolism, linking ecosystem functions to services such as climate regulation and water purification.

Impacts of climate, N and P deposition and land use on water as a driver of the greenhouse gases regulatory ecosystem service in headwater catchments (SERVICO2)

Headwater basins provide water supply, greenhouse gas regulation, and other essential ecosystem services. However, human activities have altered its functioning. This research project investigates how factors of anthropogenic origin alter the dynamics of headwater basins, especially their role in climate regulation.

Beyond the current: Improving European flowing waters in an era of global change (BEYOND)

The BEYOND project, a MSCA Doctoral Network, will train the next generation of water professionals to tackle European water quality challenges in the context of climate change and emerging contaminants. Researchers will gain interdisciplinary skills, access to cutting-edge technologies, and expertise in water management to drive innovation and improve water quality.

The role of riparian soils as green nitrogen filters along a Mediterranean river network (RIPAMED)

The aim of the RIPAMED project is to assess the role of Mediterranean riparian corridors as green N filters and to identify under which climatic conditions riparian soils act either as sources or sinks of nitrate and N2O.

Best chemical risk assessment professionals for maximum ecosystem services benefit (PRORISK)

PRORISK's vision is to provide exceptional value by creating an innovative platform to train a network of early stage researchers (ESR) in the field of Environmental Risk Assessment (WAS).

Effects of wastewater on alpine rivers: mitigation strategy (IWAS)

In this project, we measure the anthropogenic impact on the rivers of high mountain national parks, investigate the response of river ecosystems to this impact, and evaluate management strategies to mitigate this impact.

Influence of hydrology on carbon and nitrogen supply, stream metabolism and co2 evasion in mediterranean headwater streams (EVASIONA)

Determining whether ecosystems act as sources or sinks of carbon (C) is essential to mitigate the consequences of climate change and to carry out restoration actions and environmental policies that help us confront the climate crisis.