The reinforcement of the research line is based on the common interest of the assemblage of researchers on the conceptual framework of the research developed to integrate all aspects and the relationships between structural characteristics of biological communities and biogeochemical processes. Some of the main topics addressed by the research group include:   I.- Ecological restoration (Consolidated Applied Research Group as considered by Aragon Government)   Research on the ecological restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems (rivers, wetlands, lakes), sites as open coal mines, and intensively irrigated agricultural systems in semi-arid environments is an important activity of the research group.   This project is aimed to develop tools for the ecological restoration of open coal mine zones. This is a major interest of Endesa S.A. which is interested on improving the results of the works for restoring open coal mines during and after their exploitation. This includes, developing ecological systems to reduce solids and water run-off as well as integrating the restoration works within the socio-economic structure of the region.   Coal mine before restoration (Project contracted by Endesa S.A. to IPE-CSIC) Coal mine after restoration (Andorra, Teruel, NE Spain).(Developed jointly with Dpt. Ecology-University of Alcalá, Dr. J.M. Nicolau)   Intensively irrigated agricultural zones are sources of pollutants, particularly salts and nitrates, in semi-arid zones. This project is demonstrating the efficiency of constructed and restored wetlands to trap both, salts and nitrates while providing biodiversity at site and landscape scales (see: Moreno, D., U. Mander, F.A. Comín, C. Pedrocchi. 2008. Relationships between landscape pattern, wetland characteristics, and water quality in agricultural catchments. J. Environm. Quality 37: 2170-2180; Moreno, D., C. Pedrocchi, F.A. Comín, M. García, A. Cabezas. 2008. Creating wetlands for the improvement of water quality and landscape restoration in semiarid zones degraded by intensive agricultural use. Ecol. Eng. 30: 103-111).   Constructed wetlands in Lerma watershed (Ejea, Zaragoza, NE Spain) to study the efficiency of ecological structures to reduce salts and nitrate discharges from agricultural wastewater (Comín, Pedrocchi, Moreno).(Project PMO19/2006 developed jointly with Dr. J. Causape-CITA Aragon Government).   Location of selected Riparian Wetlands of the Middle Ebro River at the study reach delimited by the 25 year floodplain, an area for frequent river-floodplain connectivity studies of the research group. Two-dimensional conceptual model of hydrarch succession at the study reach. The succesional stage of studied wetlands has been inferred from diversity measures at stretch scale. Under actual conditions, the arrow indicates the unique direction of the succession. Left column: Relative water level variation in Ebro River and the studied wetlands in the middle floodplain of the Ebro River during an ordinary flood (536 m3/s) (Dash lines delimitate the considered period for the figures in the right column). Right column: Hysteresis loops formed by the relative water level variation of different wetlands and the Ebro River during an ordinary flood.   River-floodplain connectivity studies are the basis to provide tools for the ecological restoration of riparian wetlands  of large rivers. The Middle Ebro River is a reference and ideal experimental area for these studies. (Research development jointly with Fluid Mechanics Dpt.-University of Zaragoza (Dr. Pilar García). (Project CGL2008-05153-C02-02BOS, National Plan-Ministry of Science and Innovation). (see: Cabezas, A. F.A. Comín, E. González, B. Gallardo, M. García, M. González. Effect of hydrological connectivity on the substrate and understory structure of riparian wetlands in the Middle Ebro River (NE Spain): Implications for restoration and management. Aquatic Sciences, DOI 10.1007/s00027-008-8059-4; Gallardo B., M.García, Á. Cabezas, E. González, M. González, C. Ciancarelli and F.A. Comín. 2008. Macroinvertebrate patterns along environmental gradients and hydrological connectivity within a regulated river-floodplain. Aquatic Sciences 70:248-258).   The comparison of hydro-biogeochemical processes linked community structures between degraded and well preserved sites is a major objective of this research for providing guide and techniques for developing the theory and practice of ecological restoration based on restoration ecology. Also, as Ecological Restoration requires the integration of socio-economic and scientific-technical aspects to be achieved at ecosystem scale, the group also adopts a participatory process with different stake-holders for better natural resource decision-making process of local communities in order to empower their communities