Das Projekt "Forschergruppe (FOR) 1806: The Forgotten Part of Carbon Cycling: Organic Matter Storage and Turnover in Subsoils (SUBSOM)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Bochum, Geographisches Institut, Arbeitsgruppe Bodenkunde und Bodenökologie durchgeführt. We are currently facing the urgent need to improve our understanding of carbon cycling in subsoils, because the organic carbon pool below 30 cm depth is considerably larger than that in the topsoil and a substantial part of the subsoil C pool appears to be much less recalcitrant than expected over the last decades. Therefore, small changes in environmental conditions could change not only carbon cycling in topsoils, but also in subsoils. While organic matter stabilization mechanisms and factors controlling its turnover are well understood in topsoils, the underlying mechanisms are not valid in subsoils due to depth dependent differences regarding (1) amounts and composition of C-pools and C-inputs, (2) aeration, moisture and temperature regimes, (3) relevance of specific soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilisation mechanisms and (4) spatial heterogeneity of physico-chemical and biological parameters. Due to very low C concentrations and high spatio-temporal variability of properties and processes, the investigation of subsoil phenomena and processes poses major methodological, instrumental and analytical challenges. This project will face these challenges with a transdisciplinary team of soil scientists applying innovative approaches and considering the magnitude, chemical and isotopic composition and 14C-content of all relevant C-flux components and C-fractions. Taking also the spatial and temporal variability into account, will allow us to understand the four-dimensional changes of C-cycling in this environment. The nine closely interlinked subprojects coordinated by the central project will combine field C-flux measurements with detailed analyses of subsoil properties and in-situ experiments at a central field site on a sandy soil near Hannover. The field measurements are supplemented by laboratory studies for the determination of factors controlling C stabilization and C turnover. Ultimately, the results generated by the subprojects and the data synthesized in the coordinating project will greatly enhance our knowledge and conceptual understanding of the processes and controlling factors of subsoil carbon turnover as a prerequisite for numerical modelling of C-dynamics in subsoils.
Das Projekt "Soil colour spectra of prehistoric pit fillings as a new analytical tool to measure changing soil characteristics over time on a regional scale" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Institut für Nutzpflanzenwissenschaften und Ressourcenschutz (INRES), Bereich Bodenwissenschaften, Allgemeine Bodenkunde und Bodenökologie durchgeführt. Prehistoric pits are filled with ancient topsoil material, which has been preserved there over millennia. A characteristic of these pit fillings is that their colour is different depending on the time the soil material was relocated. Soil colour is the result of soil forming processes and soil properties, and it could therefore indicate the soil characteristics present during that specific period. To the best of our knowledge, no investigation analysed and explained the reasons for these soil colour changes over time. The proposed project will investigate soil parameters from pit fillings of different archaeological periods in the loess area of the Lower Rhine Basin (NW-Germany). It aims to implement the measurement of colour spectra as a novel analytical tool for the rapid analyses of a high number of soil samples: the main goal is to relate highresolution colour data measured by a spectrophotometer to soil parameters that were analysed by conventional pedogenic methods and by mid infrared spectroscopy (MIRS), with a main focus on charred organic matter (BPCAs). This tool would enable us to quantify the variation of soil properties over a timescale of several millennia, during different prehistoric periods at regional scale and for loess soils in general. Detailed information concerning changing soil properties on a regional scale is necessary to determine past soil quality and it helps to increase our understanding of prehistoric soil cultivation practices. Furthermore, these information could also help to increase our understanding about agricultural systems in different archaeological periods.
Das Projekt "Organic matter composition in the subsoil: Contribution of root litter and microbial-derived compounds" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Lehrstuhl für Bodenkunde durchgeführt. The aim of P2 within the Research Unit 'The Forgotten Part of Carbon Cycling: Organic Matter Storage and Turnover in Subsoils (SUBSOM)' is to contribute to the understanding of the different sources and stabilization processes of subsoil organic matter. This will be achieved by the analysis of the soil organic matter composition in topsoil versus subsoil by 13C NMR spectroscopy in bulk soils as well as organo-mineral associations. This will be done on a number of soil profiles differing in parent material and mineralogy and therefore also in the relevance of organo-mineral associations for subsoil C stabilization. In addition, a specific sampling approach will allow to differentiate three zones associated with the dominating effect of (1) leaching of DOC (the 'bulk soil' between trees), (2) root litter decomposition (the 'root-affected zone'), and (3) direct rhizodeposition of root exudates (the 'rhizosphere' sensu strictu). The contribution of above-ground versus below-ground litter is differentiated by the analysis of cutin and suberin biomarkers. Organic matter derived from microbial sources will be identified by the microbial signature of polysaccharides in the subsoil through the analysis of neutral sugars and amino sugars. Organo-mineral associations will be further characterized by N2-BET analyses to delineate the coverage of the mineral phase with organic matter. With these analyses and our specific analytical expertise at the submicron scale (nanoSIMS) we will participate in selected joint experiments of the research unit.
Das Projekt "Ecotoxicology of Organotin compounds" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Frankfurt am Main, Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität, Abteilung Aquatische Ökotoxikologie durchgeführt. Organotin and especially butyltin compounds are used for a variety of applications, e.g. as biocides, stabilizers, catalysts and intermediates in chemical syntheses. Tributyltin (TBT) compounds exhibit the greatest toxicity of all organotins and have even been characterized as one of the most toxic groups of xenobiotics ever produced and deliberately introduced into the environment. TBT is not only used as an active biocidal compound in antifouling paints, which are designed to prevent marine and freshwater biota from settlement on ship hulls, harbour and offshore installations, but also as a biocide in wood preservatives, textiles, dispersion paints and agricultural pesticides. Additionally, it occurs as a by-product of mono- (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) compounds, which are used as UV stabilizer in many plastics and for other applications. Triphenyltin (TPT) compounds are also used as the active biocide in antifouling paints outside Europe and furthermore as an agricultural fungicide since the early 1960s to combat a range of fungal diseases in various crops, particularly potato blight, leaf spot and powdery mildew on sugar beet, peanuts and celery, other fungi on hop, brown rust on beans, grey moulds on onions, rice blast and coffee leaf rust. Although the use of TBT and TPT was regulated in many countries world-wide from restrictions for certain applications to a total ban, these compounds are still present in the environment. In the early 1970s the impact of TBT on nontarget organisms became apparent. Among the broad variety of malformations caused by TBT in aquatic animals, molluscs have been found to be an extremely sensitive group of invertebrates and no other pathological condition produced by TBT at relative low concentrations rivals that of the imposex phenomenon in prosobranch gastropods speaking in terms of sensitivity. TBT induces imposex in marine prosobranchs at concentrations as low as 0,5 ng TBT-Sn/L. Since 1993, for the littorinid snail Littorina littorea a second virilisation phenomenon, termed intersex, is known. In female specimens affected by intersex the pallial oviduct is transformed of towards a male morphology with a final supplanting of female organs by the corresponding male formations. Imposex and intersex are morphological alterations caused by a chronic exposure to ultra-trace concentrations of TBT. A biological effect monitoring offers the possibility to determine the degree of contamination with organotin compounds in the aquatic environment and especially in coastal waters without using any expensive analytical methods. Furthermore, the biological effect monitoring allows an assessment of the existing TBT pollution on the basis of biological effects. Such results are normally more relevant for the ecosystem than pure analytical data. usw.
Das Projekt "Discursive fragmentation of the international forest regime complex: Towards a better understanding of multi-level forest policy discourses" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Freiburg, Institut für Forst- und Umweltpolitik durchgeführt. This subproject aims to analyze the fragmentation of forest policy at both an international and national level for the selected countries, employing a discourse analysis approach. It is split into two sub-subprojects (SSPs). 'SSPa' conducts an analysis of discursive genealogies of forest policy in Germany, Sweden, and the US. 'SSPb' investigates the history of forest related discourses in three global environmental policy processes (UNFF, CBD, and UNFCCC). In doing so, both SSPs follow a three step procedure: In the first work package, relevant literature is reviewed and a theoretical and analytical framework is developed. In the second work package, empirical data (mostly formal and informal policy documents) are gathered and analyzed. In the third work package, emphasis is placed on the role of political 'elites' in the creation of fragmented forest policy discourses at different levels; in-depth interviews with policy stakeholders and experts add another perspective to the analysis in this work package. The project is expected to develop a new understanding not only of the fragmentation of multi-level and multi-sector forest policy discourses, but also of the way in which 'discourse elites' interact with and within these discourses. The results of the work packages will be published in peer reviewed journals and discussed with policy stakeholders and scientists in conferences and workshops.
Das Projekt "Quantification of functional hydro-biogeochemical indicators in Ecuadorian ecosystems and their reaction on global change" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Gießen, Institut für Landschaftsökologie und Ressourcenmanagement, Professur für Landschafts-, Wasser- und Stoffhaushalt durchgeführt. Water is an intrinsic component of ecosystems acting as a key agent of lateral transport for particulate and dissolved nutrients, forcing energy transfers, triggering erosion, and driving biodiversity patterns. Given the drastic impact of land use and climate change on any of these components and the vulnerability of Ecuadorian ecosystems with regard to this global change, indicators are required that not merely describe the structural condition of ecosystems, but rather capture the functional relations and processes. This project aims at investigating a set of such functional indicators from the fields of hydrology and biogeochemistry. In particular we will investigate (1) flow regime and timing, (2) nutrient cycling and flux rates, and (3) sediment fluxes as likely indicators. For assessing flow regime and timing we will concentrate on studying stable water isotopes to estimate mean transit time distributions that are likely to be impacted by changes in rainfall patterns and land use. Hysteresis loops of nitrate concentrations and calculated flux rates will be used as functional indicators for nutrient fluxes, most likely to be altered by changes in temperature as well as by land use and management. Finally, sediment fluxes will be measured to indicate surface runoff contribution to total discharge, mainly influenced by intensity of rainfall as well as land use. Monitoring of (1) will be based on intensive sampling campaigns of stable water isotopes in stream water and precipitation, while for (2) and (3) we plan to install automatic, high temporal-resolution field analytical instruments. Based on the data obtained by this intensive, bust cost effective monitoring, we will develop the functional indicators. This also provides a solid database for process-based model development. Models that are able to simulate these indicators are needed to enable projections into the future and to investigate the resilience of Ecuadorian landscape to global change. For the intended model set up we will couple the Catchment Modeling Framework, the biogeochemical LandscapeDNDC model and semi-empirical models for aquatic diversity. Global change scenarios will then be analyzed to capture the likely reaction of functional indicators. Finally, we will contribute to the written guidelines for developing a comprehensive monitoring program for biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Right from the beginning we will cooperate with four SENESCYT companion projects and three local non-university partners to ensure that the developed monitoring program will be appreciated by locals and stakeholders. Monitoring and modelling will focus on all three research areas in the Páramo (Cajas National Park), the dry forest (Reserva Laipuna) and the tropical montane cloud forest (Reserva Biologica San Francisco).
Das Projekt "The scalar organization of environmental governance: an institutionalist perspective on the transformation of water and marine governance in the European Union" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Berlin (Humboldt-Univ.), Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften - Ressourcenökonomie durchgeführt. The project aims to theorize the scalar organization of natural resource governance in the European Union. This research agenda is inspired by critical geographers' work on the politics of scale. The research will examine an analytical framework derived from theories of institutional change and multi-level govern-ance to fill this theoretical gap. Furthermore, it will review conceptualizations of the state in institutional economics, evaluate their adequacy to capture the role of the state in the dynamics identified, and develop them further. The described processes may imply shifts in administrative levels, shifts in relations between different levels and changes in spatial delimitations of competent jurisdictions that result, for example, from decentralization or the introduction of river basin oriented administrative structures. The research investigates the implications of two European Directives: the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). They both have potentially great significance for the organization of marine and water governance at the level of Member States and below, and adhere to similar regulatory ideas for achieving good ecological status of waters. A multiple case study on changes in the scalar reorganization of marine and water governance that result from the implementation of the Directives will be carried out. It will rely on qualitative and quantitative data gathering based on semi-structured interviews and review of secondary and tertiary sources looking at Portugal, Spain, and Germany. It specifically addresses the role of social ecological transactions, the structure of decision making processes and the role of changes in contextual factors (such as ideologies, interdependent institutions and technology).
Das Projekt "Provision of Statistical Services on 'Research, Development, Statistical and Analytical Work to Develop Appropriate Environmental Indicators Related to Chemicals'" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Öko-Institut. Institut für angewandte Ökologie e.V. durchgeführt.
Das Projekt "Organische Spurenanalyse von atmosphärischen Markersubstanzen in Eisbohrkernen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Mainz, Fachbereich Chemie, Pharmazie und Geowissenschaften, Institut für Pharmazie durchgeführt. Um aktuelle Umwelt- und Klimaveränderungen in einem längeren zeitlichen Kontext bewerten zu können, insbesondere anthropogene und natürliche Einflüsse auf den atmosphärischen Aerosoleintrag in die Atmosphäre zu verstehen, werden Informationen über die Zusammensetzung der Atmosphäre in der Vergangenheit benötigt. Eisbohrkerne aus den Polarregionen oder Gletschern sind wertvolle Umwelt- und Klimaarchive, da sie unter anderem das mit dem Schnellfall deponierte Aerosol enthalten. Daher kann die Analyse von partikel-gebundenen Spurenstoffen in Eisbohrkernen stoffliche Informationen über zurückliegende Umwelt- und Klimabedingungen liefern. Bis heute konzentrieren sich diese Bemühungen auf anorganische Substanzen und nur wenige organische Analyten. Ein Großteil der in diesen Bohrkernen enthaltenen Informationen geht dadurch verloren. Dies charakterisiert das Hauptziel des Vorhabens, durch Erarbeitung organischer spurenanalytischer Methoden basierend auf LC-HRMS (Flüssigchromatographie in Kombination mit hochauflösender Massenspektrometrie) eine ausgewählte Palette von Markersubstanzen zu quantifizieren. Zielmoleküle sind insbesondere neue Marker für biogene sekundäre organische Aerosole (biogenic SOA) und Biomasseverbrennungs-Marker. Die Auswahl dieser Verbindungen basiert einerseits auf dem zu erwartenden Informationsgewinn über die Quellen und deren Zusammensetzung (terrestrische Vegetation/Waldbrände), andererseits auf der atmosphärischen Lebensdauer der Marker, da nur langlebige Marker weit entfernt liegende Regionen erreichen können. Zusätzlich zur Analyse dieser Zielanalyten sollen auch ââ‚ Ìnon-target screening-Methoden zum Einsatz kommen. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit einem etablierten Eisbohrkernlabor am PSI in der Schweiz werden die entwickelten Analysetechniken auf einen Eisbohrkern aus dem Belukha-Gletscher im Sibirischen Altai Gebirge angewendet.
Das Projekt "Biogeochemische Prozesse und Ozean/Atmosphäre- Austauschprozesse in marinen Oberflächenfilmen (BASS): Chemische und Photochemische Umsetzung Organischer Stoffe" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Kiel, Institut für Physikalische Chemie durchgeführt. Die Grenzfläche zwischen Ozean und Atmosphäre ist durch einen allgegenwärtigen, < 1 mm dicken marinen Oberflächenfilm, den sogenannten sea-surface microlayer (SML), charakterisiert. Der SML ist nicht nur direkter UV-Strahlung und atmosphärischen Oxidantien ausgesetzt, sondern zeichnet sich im Vergleich zum unterliegenden Wasser auch durch höhere Konzentrationen an organischen Stoffen aus. Bisher ist unklar, welche Bedeutung die dadurch bedingten SML-spezifischen abiotischen Prozesse für die Umsetzung und die Emission organischer Stoffe insgesamt haben und wie man diese Prozesse parametrisieren kann. In diesem Projekt, das eng mit anderen Projekten der interdisziplinären Forschungsgruppe â€ÌBiogeochemische Prozesse und Ozean/Atmosphäre- Austauschprozesse in marinen Oberflächenfilmen (BASS)â€Ì verbunden ist, sollen daher molekulare Details SML-spezifischer Reaktionen (Photochemie, heterogene Oxidation, Radikalchemie) genauer untersucht werden. Ziel ist es, Reaktionsprodukte und -geschwindigkeiten quantitativ zu erfassen und Unterschiede zwischen Reaktionen im SML und in der freien Wassersäule herauszuarbeiten. Basierend auf der Expertise der drei beteiligten Arbeitsgruppen im Bereich Photochemie, Reaktionskinetik, Laserspektroskopie, Analytik und theoretischer Modellierung, soll ein molekulares Verständnis ausgewählter Reaktionen und des Einflusses der komplexen SML-Reaktionsumgebung erreicht werden. Dazu sollen experimentelle Verfahren wie Schwingungs-Summenfrequenzerzeugung, hochempfindliche Chromatographie-Massenspektrometrie und gepulste Laserphotolyse-Langwegabsorption mit Methoden der Quantenchemie und Molekulardynamik kombiniert werden. Arbeitsschwerpunkte bilden die Oxidationskinetik von Halogen- bzw. Hydroxyl-Radikalreaktionen in der flüssigen Phase, die Ozonolyse von Fettsäure-Monoschichten und die durch Photosensibilisatoren verstärkte Bildung von reaktiven Radikalen bzw. Zersetzung von organischen Schichten. Neben wohldefinierten Labor-Modellsystemen werden auch natürliche Proben analysiert werden. Dabei stellt sich z.B. die Frage nach den Einflussfaktoren der während einer Algenblüte zunehmenden Bildung von oberflächenaktiven Stoffen im SML und der Bedeutung der durch die Sonne bedingten Photolyse auf die abiotische Umsetzung organischer Stoffe. Flankierend werden im Projekt auch die eingesetzten Untersuchungsmethoden weiterentwickelt; das beinhaltet sowohl die Ausarbeitung von Messprotokollen zur Quantifizierung bestimmter organischen Substanzklassen (z.B. Carbonyle und Kohlenhydrate) im SML, die Synthese und Charakterisierung von neuartigen oberflächenaktiven Photosensibilisatoren (z.B. Benzoyl-Benzoesäure-funktionalisierte Lipide) sowie die Entwicklung und Erprobung mehrstufiger Modellierungsverfahren zur theoretischen Beschreibung von Struktur-Reaktivitätsbeziehungen der Fettsäure-Ozonolyse (z.B. Beschreibung des Einflusses sterischer und elektronischer Effekte der organischen Matrix).
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