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/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Institut für Nutzpflanzenwissenschaften und Ressourcenschutz (INRES), Bereich Bodenwissenschaften, Allgemeine Bodenkunde und Bodenökologie.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 "Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1488: Planetary Magnetism (PlanetMag), Probing the Earth's subdecadal core-mantle dynamics based on satellite geomagnetic field models" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Potsdam, Institut für Mathematik.The CHAMP mission provided a great amount of geomagnetic data all over the globe from 2000 to 2010. Its dense data coverage has allowed us to build GRIMM - GFZ Reference Internal Magnetic Model - which has the highest ever resolution for the core field in both space and time. We have already modeled the fluid flow in the Earth's outer core by applying the diffusionless magnetic induction equation to the latest version of GRIMM, to find that the flow evolves on subdecadal timescales, with a remarkable correlation to the observed fluctuation of Earth rotation. These flow models corroborated the presence of six-year torsional oscillations in the outer core fluid. Torsional oscillation (TO) is a type of hydromagnetic wave, theoretically considered to form the most important element of decadal or subdecadal core dynamics. It consists of relative azimuthal rotations of rigid fluid annuli coaxial with the mantle's rotation and dynamically coupled with the mantle and inner core. In preceding works, the TOs have been studied by numerical simulations, either with full numerical dynamos, or solving eigenvalue problems ideally representing the TO system. While these studies drew insights about dynamical aspects of the modeled TOs, they did not directly take into account the observations of geomagnetic field and Earth rotation. Particularly, there have been no observation-based studies for the TO using satellite magnetic data or models. In the proposed project, we aim at revealing the subdecadal dynamics and energetics of the Earth's core-mantle system on the basis of satellite magnetic observations. To that end, we will carry out four work packages (1) to (4), for all of which we use GRIMM. (1) We perform timeseries analyses of core field and flow models, to carefully extract the signals from TOs at different latitudes. (2) We refine the conventional flow modeling scheme by parameterizing the magnetic diffusion at the core surface. Here, the diffusion term is reinstated in the magnetic induction equation, which is dynamically constrained by relating it to the Lorentz term in the Navier-stokes equation. (3) We develop a method to compute the electromagnetic core-mantle coupling torque on the core fluid annuli, whereby the energy dissipation due to the Joule heating is evaluated for each annulus. This analysis would provide insights on whether the Earth's TOs are free or forced oscillations. (4) Bringing together physical implications and computational tools obtained by (1) to (3), we finally construct a dynamical model for the Earth's TOs and core-mantle coupling such that they are consistent with GRIMM and Earth rotation observation. This modeling is unique in that the force balances concerning the TOs are investigated in time domain, as well as that the modeling also aims at improving the observation-based core flow model by considering the core dynamics.
Das Projekt "Native plants and mycorrhizal fungi in wind erosion control in the Kailash-Manasarovar region (Tibet, China)" wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Professur für Forstschutz und Dendrologie.We study the effects of plants and root-associated fungi on wind erosion within the alpine environment of Tibet. China is one of the countries most affected by desertification processes and Tibet, in particular, a key region in desertification combat. The presented project focuses on the Barkha Plain surrounded by Mount Kailash and the Lake of Manasarovar (Ngari Prefecture). This Western Tibet region experienced little scientific attention but, nowadays, faces rapidly increasing touristic activities and expanding local settlements associated with socio-economic changes that are serious threats to the delicate ecological balance and potential triggers of desertification. It exists almost unanimous agreement that revegetation is the most efficient and promising strategy to combat wind erosion and desertification in the long term. However, re-colonising success is often poor, mainly under extreme environmental conditions. Compared to conventional practices, the approach of the presented project attains better accordance with natural succession processes and promises acceleration of both plant and soil development and, conclusively, more efficient desertification control. The project assesses the potential of native plants and symbiotic fungi to control wind erosion and desertification processes. It aims to identify key plants and fungi that increase soil aggregate stability and efficiently drive succession into a natural and self-maintaining cycle of the ecosystem. Furthermore, it provides crucial information for implementing environmentally compatible and cost-effective measures to protect high-elevation ecosystems against desertification. Within three successional stages (early, intermediate, late), field investigations are performed on the basis of Modified-Whittaker plots. Classic methods of vegetation analysis and myco-sociology are combined with analysis of distribution patterns at different scales (patchiness, connectivity). Comprehensive soil analysis is performed comprising grain size distribution, aggregate stability, pH as well as water and nutrient contents. Additionally, important parameters of wind erosion are measured concurrently and continuously to assess their magnitude and variability with respect to vegetation and soil at different levels of development. The parameters addressed, include sediment transport, air temperature, radiation, precipitation, relative humidity as well as speed and direction of wind. Surface moisture is recorded periodically and roughness described. Species and environmental parameters are checked for spatial correlation. Cutting edge technologies are applied in laboratory work, comprising molecular methods for fungal species identification and micro-tomography to analyse soil structure. Furthermore, successfully cultivated fungi and plants are subject of synthesis experiments and industrial propagation in view of practical implementation in restoration measures.
Das Projekt "Diffusion and advection with sorption of anions, cations and non-polar molecules in organo-clays at varying thermo-chemical conditions - validation by analytical methods and molecular simulation" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Bodenkunde.The sorption of anions in geotechnical multibarrier systems of planned high level waste repositories (HLWR) and of non-ionic and organic pollutants in conventional waste disposals are in the center of recent research. In aquatic systems, persistent radionuclides such as 79Se, 99Tc, 129I exist in a form of anions. There is strongly increasing need to find materials with high sorption capacities for such pollutants. Specific requirements on barrier materials are long-term stability of adsorbent under various conditions such as T > 100 C, varying hydrostatic pressure, and the presence of competing ions. Organo-clays are capable to sorb high amounts of cations, anions and non-polar molecules simultaneously having selectivity for certain ions. This project is proposed to improve the understanding of sorption and desorption processes in organo-clays. Additionally, the modification of material properties under varying chemical and thermal conditions will be determined by performing diffusion and advection experiments. Changes by sorption and diffusion will be analyzed by determining surface charge and contact angles. Molecular simulations on models of organo-clays will be conducted in an accord with experiments with aim to understand and analyze experimental results. The computational part of the project will profit from the collaboration of German partner with the group in Vienna, which has a long standing experience in a modeling of clay minerals.
Das Projekt "Evaluating current European agri-environment schemes to quantify and improve nature conservation efforts in agricultural landscapes (EASY)" wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Eidgenössische Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft.Research question: Agri-environment schemes play an increasingly important role in European CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) to support biodiversity and environment in agricultural landscapes. They have been implemented since 1992 and now cost a yearly 1.7 billion Euro. Still, there is no conclusive evidence that these schemes actually do contribute to the conservation of particularly biodiversity. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate the (cost-) effectiveness of European agri-environment schemes in protecting biodiversity and to determine the primary processes that determine their effectiveness. This project furthermore aims to determine how CAP may be introduced in candidate EU-members without unacceptable loss of biodiversity. It will provide simple guidelines how researchers, governmental authorities may efficiently evaluate agri-environmental measures. Aim: Agri-environment schemes have been used to protect biodiversity and environment in agricultural areas since 1992. Their effectiveness has never been reliably evaluated. This project aims to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of agri-environment schemes with respect to biodiversity conservation in five European countries. It will determine the proper scales that have to be addressed for conservation efforts for a range of species groups. It will determine the most important environmental factors that influence the effectiveness of the schemes. Based on this, recommendations will be made how the effectiveness of schemes may be improved and simple guidelines will be produced how ecological effects of agri-environment schemes can be evaluated efficiently by governmental authorities or other institutions. The ecological effects of the introduction of CAP in a candidate EU-member will be investigated to reduce negative side effects of anticipated land-use changes Scientific methods: We will examine the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes by surveying pairs of fields: a field with an agri-environment scheme and a nearby field that is conventionally managed. In five countries, in each country in three areas, and in each area on seven pairs of fields the species richness of birds, plants and three insect groups (pollinators, herbivores, predators) will be determined. Effects of schemes on pollination efficiency and pest control will be examined using indicator communities. Correlative studies will examine the effects of landscape structure, land-use intensity and species pool on the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures. The spatial scale that is relevant to nature conservation efforts will be investigated via the spatial distribution of species groups. The results will be used to formulate recommendations how to improve the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes and to construct a set of simple guidelines how schemes can be evaluated efficiently yet reliably.
Das Projekt "Entwicklung eines Analyseverfahrens für Tenside aus Wasch- und Reinigungsmitteln und dessen praktische Anwendung auf Abwasserproben von Kläranlagenabläufen" wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Umweltbundesamt.Zur Bestimmung der Konzentrationen linearer Alkylbenzolsulfonate (LAS) und Alkylethersulfate (AES) in Kläranlagenabläufen wurden 7-Tagesmischproben (n=33) an Abläufe von 33 konventionellen Kläranlagen in Deutschland genommen. Zudem wurden an vier der untersuchten Kläranlagen die Zuläufe beprobt und ebenfalls auf LAS und AES untersucht, um Rückschlüsse auf die Entfernung dieser Tenside in konventionellen Kläranlagen ziehen zu können. Insgesamt umfasste die Studie die Analyse von vier LAS-Homologen (C10-C13) sowie von jeweils 10 Ethoxymeren zweier Homologe von AES (C12 und C14, jeweils mit 0-9 Ethoxygruppen). Die Probenvorbereitung bestand aus der Entfernung der wässrigen Phase mit Hilfe eines Rotations-Vakuum-Konzentrators und anschließender Resolvatisierung des Trockenrückstandes in einer definierten Menge Reinstwasser und Acetonitril. Die Identifikation und Quantifizierung der Zielanalyten erfolgte mittels Hochleistungsflüssigkeitschromatographie mit Tandem-Massenspektrometrie-Kopplung (HPLC-MS/MS). Die Leistungsfähigkeit der analytischen Methoden wurde in Leitungswasser und Kläranlagenablauf evaluiert. Die Analysemethoden zeigten für beide Matrices eine allgemein gute Richtigkeit sowie Präzision. Basierend auf den geschätzten mittleren Konzentrationen einzelner LAS-Homologe wurde eine mittlere Gesamtkonzentration von 14,4 Mikro g/L in Kläranlagenabläufen ermittelt. Verglichen mit LAS, wurden für AES stets geringere Gesamtkonzentrationen im Ablauf gemessen: Die mittlere AES-Gesamtkonzentration in den Abläufen betrug 0,57 Mikro g/L. Zwischen den Gesamtkonzentrationen von AES und LAS bestand keine Korrelation. In den Zuläufen beprobter Kläranlagen wurden im Mittel 3.200 Mikro g/L LAS detektiert. Damit betrug die mittlere Entfernung für LAS 99,6 %. Die mittlere AES-Konzentration im Kläranlagenzulauf belief sich auf 680 Mikro g/L, was einer mittleren AES-Entfernung von größer als 99.9% entspricht. Retrospektives Screening von 1.564 Tensiden und deren Transformationsprodukte (TPs) erfolgte durch ein zweites Labor unter Anwendung der Ultrahochleistungsflüssigkeitschromatographie mit Flugzeitmassenspektrometer-Kopplung (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). In vielen Fällen wurde die Konzentration von LAS von der Summe der Konzentrationen der Neben- und Transformationsprodukte von LAS überstiegen. Für die LAS-Nebenprodukte Dialkyltetralinsulfonate (DATS) lag die maximale Summenkonzentration bei 19 Mikro g/L, für die Sulfophenylalkylcarbonsäuren (SPACs) bei 17 Mikro g/L und für die Sulfotetralinalkylcarbonsäuren (STACs) bei 5,3 Mikro g/L. Hohe Konzentrationen von bis zu 7,4 Ìg/L wurden für Polyethylenoglycole in den Abwasserproben bestimmt. Die Gesamtkonzentration aller quantifizierten Tenside, TPs und Nebenprodukte in einer einzelnen Probe betrug bis zu 82 Mikro g/L.
Das Projekt "Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1689: Climate Engineering: Risiken, Herausforderungen, Möglichkeiten?, Climate Engineering on Land: Potentials and side-effects of afforestation and biomass plantations as instruments for carbon extraction (CE-LAND WP4 ) Direct and indirect biogeochemical consequences of terrestrial CDR" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung e.V..The objective of this project is to provide a comprehensive quantification of the potentials and consequences of large-scale terrestrial Carbon Dioxide removal (CDR) as a strategy for climate engineering (CE). Using two state-of-the-art modeling systems, MPI-ESM and LPJmL, we will quantify Carbon sequestration potentials of four different forest CDR types: semi-natural forest, managed forest and biomass plantation of woody and herbaceous plant types, for various biomass utilization pathways such as conventional wood usage or CCS. The analysis includes associated changes in ecosystem processes and surface properties and their effects on, and feedbacks to, local to global climate. We will additionally analyze (unintended) consequences of these different terrestrial CDR strategies vis-à-vis other prospective use of land and water resources, particularly for food production and ecosystem conservation, and identify regions where afforestation is judged to be sustainable from this broader perspective. WP 4 - Direct and indirect biogeochemical consequences of terrestrial CDR.
Das Projekt "Sub-project F1: Gaseous and leaching nutrient losses in irrigation farming of fertilised sandy soils in Oman - Effects of manure quality and cropping system" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Kassel, Fachgruppe Boden- und Pflanzenbauwissenschaften, Institut für Nutzpflanzenkunde, Fachgebiet Ökologischer Pflanzenbau und Agrarökosystemforschung in den Tropen und Subtropen.Organic and conventional irrigation farming on the eastern coast of the arid Arabian Peninsula leads to high gaseous and leaching losses of nutrients and carbon from cultivated soils. In order to analyse such losses, the emissions NH3, N2O, CO2 and CH4 were measured on an experimental field near to the town of Sohar in the Sultanate of Oman. This was done using an INNOVA photo-acoustic infrared multi-gas monitor (INNOVA 1312-5, LumaSense Technologies A/S, Ballerup, Denmark) in a closed chamber system. Cumulative leaching losses of nitrogen (TN, NO3-N, NH4-N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured by suction plates and mixed-bed ion-exchange resin cartridges (NO3-N, NH4-N, PO4-P). Seepage was estimated with the software Hydrus 1d using crop-specific evapotranspiration and hydraulic soil parameters. The experiment on an irrigated sandy soil with four replications comprised of two types of buffalo manure, characterised by a C/N ratio of 23 with high fibre content (high-high, HH), a C/N ratio of 15 with low fibre content (low-low, LL) and a control treatment with equivalent levels of mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). These three fertility treatments were combined with a crop rotation comprised of radish (Raphanus sativus) transplanted on all plots followed by cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) and carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus).
Das Projekt "Eco-geomorphology of vegetation borderline ecotones" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Universität Basel. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Basel, Institut für Umweltgeowissenschaften, Forschungsgruppe Physiogeographie und Umweltwandel.Surface processes strongly the quality of the critical zone to sustain a tree cover. Conventionally, the availability of water and sufficient temperatures are considered to be the controlling factors for the presence of vegetation and the development of a , grass, shrub or forest cover. However, in environments with high rates of surface processes, such as deserts and high alpine regions, the lack of a stable regolith determines whether and which type of vegetation cover forms. Climate and environmental change will affect the interaction between surface processes, regolith and vegetation in the 21. Century and thus lead to the alteration of perennial vegetation cover. In environments with a strong influence of surface processes, the extent of trees and shrubs may develop in the opposite direction of the changes of conventional geo-ecologic indices. For example, in alpine environments enhanced mass wasting processes due to an increase of temperatures may lead to a decline in the tree line. Similarly, more runoff during extreme events can increase soil erosion in drylands, destroying the critical zone for plant growth. In this project, the current change of vegetation cover in selected borderline ecotones of the European Alps, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Negev Desert in Israel and the highlands of Tenerife are examined.
Das Projekt "Entwicklung eines mobilen Verfahrens zur Abwasser- und chemikalienfreien Fassadenreinigung mit Niedrigtemperatur-Atmosphärendruckplasmen" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen 'Otto-von-Guericke' e.V.. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Europäische Forschungsgemeinschaft Reinigungs- und Hygienetechnologie e.V..Derzeit werden verschmutzte Fassaden meist mit Strahlverfahren gereinigt, bei denen entweder Wasser oder Gemische aus Wasser, Luft und festen Strahlmitteln eingesetzt werden. In Spezialfällen (z.B. bei der Graffitientfernung) werden auch toxikologisch und ökologisch nachteilige organische Lösemittel eingesetzt, wobei aufwändige Zusatzmaßnahmen des Arbeits- und Umweltschutzes erforderlich sind. Ein Nachteil der praxisüblichen wässrigen Strahlverfahren sind die hohen Personal- und Betriebskosten. Derartige Verfahren erfordern hohe Wassermengen, so dass in großem Umfang schadstoffbelastete Abwässer resultieren. Diese dürfen aufgrund der umweltrechtlichen Vorschriften nicht unaufbereitet in die Kanalisation bzw. in die Oberflächengewässer geleitet werden, sondern müssen je nach Schadstoffbelastung zusammen mit den eingesetzten Strahlmitteln aufwändig und zu hohen Kosten aufgefangen und aufbereitet bzw. entsorgt werden. Ferner führt der Einsatz wasserintensiver Fassaden-Reinigungs-verfahren je nach Porosität der Materialien zu starker Durchfeuchtung mit entsprechenden Folgeschäden. Darüber hinaus kann trotz der möglichen Anpassung der Strahlwirkung an Untergrund und Anschmutzung eine Materialschädigung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche durch Abrasion nicht vollständig verhindert werden. Eine Alternative zu den genannten Reinigungsverfahren bietet die Plasmatechnologie. Wie im abgeschlossenen Forschungsprojekt gezeigt, können typische Fassadenmaterialien, wie Klinker, Sandstein, Feinsteinzeug, Marmor, Granit, Eloxal und Edelstahl mit kaltem Atmosphärendruckplasma gereinigt werden. Ein mobiles Abwasser- und chemikalienfreies Reinigungsverfahren, das zugleich materialschonend ist, wurde hiermit entwickelt. Als typische Anschmutzungen wurden Graffitianschmutzungen (Acryl- und Kunstharzlacke) und künstliche Atmosphärenschmutze eingesetzt. Die angeschmutzten Proben wurden einer definierten Bewitterung (abwechselnde UV- Bestrahlung und Betauung) für 30 Tage ausgesetzt. Zur Erzielung einer guten Reinigungswirkung mittels Plasma wurden verschiedene Prozessgase (Druckluft, Argon, Stickstoff) eingesetzt und Prozessparameter variiert, darunter Düsengeometrie, Abstand Düse-Substrat, Vorschubgeschwindigkeit und Anzahl der Überfahrten. Bei Anwendung von Druckluft als Prozessgas wurde unter Einsatz eines hochenergetischen Druckluft-Plasmastrahls unter bestimmten Verfahrensbedingungen ein effektiver Abtrag von schwarzem, grünem und rotem Acryl- und Kunstharzlack, aber auch von Algen und Pilzen von bis zu 100% erreicht. Weißer und silbernen Acryllack konnten hingegen nur zu maximal 70% entfernt werden. Die untersuchten Materialien wurde dabei sowohl mechanisch als auch thermisch nicht geschädigt. Während der Plasmabehandlung wurden relativ niedrige Oberflächentemperaturen von 60 bis 80°C für mineralische bzw. 70° bis 115°C für metallische Substrate gemessen usw
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