NTU monitors the health of aquatic ecosystems
National Taiwan University is dedicated to monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems, conducting water quality monitoring for on-campus lakes and ecoponds. Our university is home to several specialized research teams, including the Institute of Oceanography, Department of Engineering Science & Ocean Engineering, Hydrotech Research Institute, and Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering.
In pursuit of marine research, we possess the R/V New Ocean Researcher 1 vessel, which is utilized for scientific investigations related to marine science, crustal dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and training purposes. Additionally, we collaborate with the government to establish crucial ecological surveys in Taiwan's waters, encompassing ecosystem monitoring and database development.
Beyond marine ecosystems, our research teams also actively monitor groundwater resources, analyzing groundwater levels and geological characteristics, to enhance our understanding of groundwater resources.
Campus Lake and Ecological Pond Water Quality Monitoring and Improvement
In our commitment to maintaining aquatic ecosystems, our university regularly conducts water quality monitoring and management for the on-campus lakes using the Biological Environmental Water Quality Management method. We have also enhanced management equipment to improve oxygen levels and water circulation in these bodies of water. Every two months, we engage in aquatic plant pruning to maintain the scenic beauty of these areas and promote increased biodiversity. It is common to observe activities of waterfowl such as the Red-crowned Crane in these lakes.
R/V New Ocean Researcher 1
The mission of National Taiwan University's R/V New Ocean Researcher 1 includes marine science research, marine education and training, national development, and government-assigned tasks. In future research endeavors, in addition to ongoing atmospheric and oceanic shipboard and buoy joint observations, the focus will also be on research areas such as bioluminescent layer and seabed biology and ecology, tracing elements and isotopes for marine biogeochemical reactions and carbon cycling, as well as research on seafloor geological crustal movements and evolution.
Taiwan's Important Marine Ecosystem Survey and Ecological Service Valuation
In order to establish long-term ecological and environmental baseline data for Taiwan's important marine ecosystems and marine protected areas, the project has completed ship surveys in 38 coastal areas around Taiwan, conducted ecological surveys in 40 coral reef benthic ecosystems, and installed automatic monitoring systems to visualize trends in marine changes. This provides crucial reference data for the national government in promoting conservation, restoration, and environmental education initiatives.
Groundwater System Hydrological Analysis
Groundwater resources play a crucial role in the water supply of Taiwan. Therefore, the rational use of groundwater resources can contribute to a sustainable water supply, whereas the improper use of groundwater resources can lead to issues like land subsidence and saltwater intrusion. The research team from the Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering at our university has undertaken the monitoring of hydrogeological data, pumping and recharge conditions, water level fluctuations, and other aspects of the groundwater system to enhance our understanding of it.
