Dr Bolpagni's RESEARCH ACTIVITIES can be summarised under the theme: “Macrophyte Biodiversity and Functioning in inland waters: micro and macro perspectives and implications for aquatic habitat functioning”.
Starting from the experiments conducted during his PhD in Ecology, during which Dr Bolpagni focused specifically on investigating the eco-physiological adaptations of rooted macrophytes (at the individual level) along environmental gradients, his research has gradually expanded to include the community level and, subsequently, the habitat level. This gradual shift in scale (biological and functional) was made possible by: i) the refinement of experimental strategies (e.g., micro- and mesocosms, sampling plans), ii) the expansion of technical skills (taxonomy, community structure, eco-physiology, abiotic interactions, remote sensing techniques), and iii) the scientific output produced in the course of his studies. This is an innovative and interactive research path that has led Dr Bolpagni to explore original topics in complete autonomy thanks to direct and active interaction with numerous national and international research groups.
Alongside his academic career, Dr Bolpagni has contributed to a significant number of applied projects, interacting with a large and diverse group of organisations, including ISPRA, ADBPO, AIPO, the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions, the Mincio and Oglio Sud River Park, and various professional firms involved in environmental design and redevelopment.
Among Dr Bolpagni's most innovative fields of research, particular attention has been paid to:
• i) the analysis of spatial patterns and determinants of the decline of aquatic and marsh vegetation;
• ii) the study of macrophyte responses to environmental stresses (e.g. hypoxia, anoxia, eutrophication, contamination) and associated biogeochemical processes (C, N and P cycling), including through the characterisation of macrophytic functional traits;
• iii) the study of biological invasions, including the development of the Exocene paradigm;
• iv) the contribution of the river mosaic and aquatic vegetation more generally to C metabolism;
• v) the use of remote sensing techniques for the study and monitoring of aquatic habitats;
• vi) management and enhancement of aquatic habitats.
