Development of ecologically relevant quality indicators for sediment microbial communities [Elektronische Ressource] / von Pei-Chi Hsu

Development of Ecologically RelevantQuality Indicators for SedimentMicrobial CommunitiesVom Promotionsausschuss derTechnischen Universit¨at Hamburg-Harburgzur Erlangung des akademischen GradesDoktorin der Naturwissenschaftengenehmigte DissertationvonPei-Chi Hsuaus Taipeh20091. Gutachter: PD Dr. Wolfgang Ahlf2. Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Rudolf Mu¨llerTag der mu¨ndlichen Pru¨fung: 08.07.2009AcknowledgementsThis work was carried out within the European Union FP6 Integrated ProjectAquaTerra (Project No. GOCE 505428). I am grateful for the financial supportand the international interdisciplinary platform provided by the project.My deepest gratitude goes to my supervisor, PD Dr. Wolfgang Ahlf. Thankyou for giving me the freedom to explore, for your continuous encouragementsand the well-timed guidance to keep the work on the right track. The opendiscussions and cozy atmosphere within your working grouphave made this workan enjoyable experience.My gratitude extends to other members of my examination committee: Prof.Dr. Rudolf Mu¨ller and Prof. Dr. Dr. Frerich Keil. Thank you for your readinessfor my spontaneous questions and your willingness to take up the committee.I also wish to express my special appreciations to Prof. Dr. Susanne Heise.The numerous discussions despite your tight schedule have given me both prac-tical and inspiring ideas. Your infectious enthusiasm has brought me out ofseveral experimental frustrations.