Business trip report, Austria, Arghideh

Topic: Scientific Visit to WasserCluster Lunz: Microbial Nitrogen Cycling and Biogeochemistry

A short-term scientific visit was carried out at WasserCluster Lunz – Biological Station, Lunz am See, Austria, on 11–12 December 2025, under the supervision of Dr. Katrin Attermeyer. The visit was conducted in the context of my ongoing PhD research focused on microbial nitrogen transformation and nitrification processes in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). During the stay, I gained direct exposure to advanced approaches in freshwater microbial ecology, carbon processing, experimental stream flume systems, and high-resolution biogeochemical monitoring techniques. The visit enabled scientific exchange, the acquisition of new analytical methodologies, and discussion of potential collaborative research pathways linking engineered aquaculture biofilters with natural microbial biogeochemical dynamics.

Overall, the stay contributed to methodological development, professional networking, and future publication potential, while strengthening international cooperation between the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, and WasserCluster Lunz.