University of Santo Tomas - Zooplankton Ecology, Systematics, and Limnology Laboratory

Description

The Zooplankton Ecology, Systematics, and Limnology research group of the University of Santo Tomas Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (UST-ZESL) was established in 2011 with the following core research objectives: (1) zooplankton studies focusing on taxonomy, distribution, and systematics of microcrustaceans, (2) spatio-temporal approach in studying zooplankton ecology as well as studies on zooplankton community dynamics and lake monitoring, (3) paleolimnology and time-series data, (4) taxonomy and life history of fish parasites, (5) freshwater ecology focusing on nutrient spiral metrics, trophic dynamics, and community structure, (6) organismic biology focusing on reproduction, development, and life history, (7) invasive and keystone species, and (8) applied freshwater research focusing on utilization of freshwater organisms as models, bioindicators, biomonitors, and biocontrol. The UST-ZESL is home to the first and only organized assemblage of zooplankton samples and specimens collected within the Philippines. The Philippine Zooplankton Reference Collection which was established in 2011 is an integral tool in documenting zooplankton diversity, distribution, and ecology in Philippine inland waters. The ZRC's main objectives is to develop a systematic way of organizing and documenting collections (unsorted and sorted wet samples and dissected specimens mounted on slides) and to develop a standardized process of studying zooplankton which involves sampling, processing, analysis, and molecular analysis (SPAM). Through the years, the collection has grown and is now home to at least a thousand sorted and unsorted samples and 727 zooplankton specimens mounted on slides.

Contacts

ADMINISTRATIVE_POINT_OF_CONTACT
Rey Donne Papa
Telephone: (+632)4061611 loc.8350
email: rspapa@ust.edu.ph

POINT_OF_CONTACT
Shea Kathleen Guinto
Telephone: (+632)9178587562
email: shea.guinto@gmail.com

University of Santo Tomas - Zooplankton Ecology, Systematics, and Limnology Laboratory
Rm. 407, Central Laboratory Building, Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Espana Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila 1015, Philippines
Manila
1015
National Capital Region
PH