Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one major source of subsoil organic matter (OM). P5 aims at quantifying the impact of DOM input, transport, and transformation to the OC storage in the subsoil environment. The central hypotheses of this proposal are that in matric soil the increasing 14C age of organic carbon (OC) with soil depth is due to a cascade effect, thus, leading to old OC in young subsoil, whereas within preferential flowpaths sorptive stabilization is weak, and young and bioa-vailable DOM is translocated to the subsoil at high quantities. These hypotheses will be tested by a combination of DOC flux measurements with the comparative analysis of the composition and the turnover of DOM and mineral-associated OM. The work programme utilizes a DOM monitoring at the Grinderwald subsoil observatory, supplemented by defined experiments under field and labora-tory conditions, and laboratory DOM leaching experiments on soils of regional variability. A central aspect of the experiments is the link of a 13C-leaf litter labelling experiment to the 14C age of DOM and OM. With that P5 contributes to the grand goal of the research unit and addresses the general hypotheses that subsoil OM largely consists of displaced and old OM from overlying horizons, the sorption capacity of DOM and the pool size of mineral-associated OM are controlled by interaction with minerals, and that preferential flowpaths represent 'hot spots' of high substrate availability.
Flowering time (FTi) genes play a key role as regulators of complex gene expression networks, and the influence of these networks on other complex systems means that FTi gene expression triggers a cascade of regulatory effects with a broad global effect on plant development. Hence, allelic and expression differences in FTi genes can play a central role in phenotypic variation throughput the plant lifecycle. A prime example for this is found in Brassica napus, a phenotypically and genetically diverse species with enormous variation in vernalisation requirement and flowering traits. The species includes oilseed rape (canola), one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. Previously we have identified QTL clusters related to plant development, seed yield and heterosis in winter oilseed rape that seem to be conserved in diverse genetic backgrounds. We suspect that these QTL are controlled by global regulatory genes that influence numerous traits at different developmental stages. Interestingly, many of the QTL clusters for yield and biomass heterosis appear to correspond to the positions of meta-QTL for FTi in spring-type and/or winter-type B. napus. Based on the hypothesis that diversity in FTi genes has a key influence on plant development and yield, the aim of this study is a detailed analysis of DNA sequence variation in regulatory FTi genes in B. napus, combined with an investigation of associations between FTi gene haplotypes, developmental traits, yield components and seed yield.
In diesem Forschungsvorhaben sollen die Effekte von Habitatfragmentierung auf Nahrungsnetze untersucht werden. Als Modellsystem dient die trophische Kaskade 'Pflanze - Pilz/Blattschneiderameise - Prädator/Parasit' im Atlantischen Regenwald Brasiliens, eines der weltweit am stärksten gefährdeten Waldökosysteme. Seit langem wird eine Zunahme der Dichte und Diversität von Blattschneiderameisen (BSA) in gestörten Habitaten beobachtet. Die Gründe hierfür sind jedoch weitgehend ungeklärt. Die diesem Projekt zugrunde liegenden Arbeitshypothesen basieren auf der Annahme, dass sowohl die Kontrolle durch Resourcenqualität als auch durch Prädation und Parasitismus in fragmentierten Wäldern weniger effizient sind als in geschlossenen Waldsystemen. Zur Beurteilung der bottom-up-Kontrolle wird daher untersucht, ob (1) pflanzliche Abwehr, (2) BSA Nahrungsbreite, (3) -Aktionsradius und (4) -Herbivorierate in Waldfragmenten zunehmen. Die Effizienz der top-down Kontrolle wird darüber bestimmt ob (1) Prädationsrate sowie (2) Ameisen- und Pilzparasitierung in kontinuierlichen Wäldern zunehmen und (3) der Koloniegründungserfolg abnimmt. Die Evaluierung der einzelnen Parameter und ihrer relativen Bedeutung soll das Verständnis der funktionellen Rolle trophischer Interaktionen am Beispiel dieser Schlüsselarten neotropischer Ökosysteme verbessern
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a stratospheric ozone depleting substance and one of the four most important greenhouse gases. Its major sink, stratospheric destruction, is well quantified, but the global budget is rather uncertain due to a limited understanding of the dominant N2O sources. The study of the three main stable isotopes (14N15N16O / 15N14N16O / 14N14N16O) is a powerful way to trace the biogeochemical cycle of N2O. Absorption spectroscopy in the mid-infrared is potentially the most powerful, direct method to distinguish between all relevant N2O isotopes because of their characteristic rotational-vibrational transitions. It allows the determination of both the N2O concentration and the isotope ratios (d15Na and d15Nb). However, up to now isotope measurements with the required precision of less than 1 per mille for d15N were only possible at N2O concentration levels that are too high for environmental or atmospheric applications. Based on our latest improvements in laser spectroscopy, we expect a precision for d15N of 0.1 percent at 90 ppm of N2O in a compact and field-deployable quantum cascade laser isotope spectrometer (QCL-IS). While this is adequate to study many biological and technical processes, we also intend to develop a liquid nitrogen-free, fully-automated preconcentration unit. This unit will then be coupled to the QCL-IS to allow continuous ambient air measurements (ca. 320 ppb N2O) with a time resolution of 15 minutes. Studies based on the concentration of individual N2O isotopes and their ratio could significantly enhance our understanding of the global N2O budget. The key to this is source characterization, allocation and quantification of important processes, e.g. soil nitrification/denitrification, waste water treatment and combustion, which will become more accessible because of the novel analytical tool. Furthermore, the preconcentration unit and its coupling to QCLAS is a technique with a wide potential, since it might be used for other trace gases or isotopes with concentrations that are too low for currently available spectroscopy.
Submerged macrophytes stabilize the clear water regime in shallow lakes, but were often completely lost during eutrophication resulting in a shift to the turbid, phytoplankton-dominated regime. Re-colonization of submerged macrophytes often failed after reoligotrophication of shallow lakes despite an increased light availability in spring. Shading by periphyton is supposed to be one of the reasons. Periphyton biomass in eutrophic lakes has been suggested to be potentially controlled by a cascading effect of fish predation on periphyton-grazing invertebrates. Direct experimental evidence of this top-down control of periphyton and its relevance for submerged macrophyte re-colonization, however, is still lacking. We plan a combination of field and laboratory experiments and modeling to unravel the role of periphyton shading for the development of submerged macrophytes as a base for sustainable management of shallow eutrophic lakes. The focus is on in situ evidence of topdown control of periphyton by a fish-invertebrates-cascade, the shading impact during early stages of macrophyte development and the impact of timing of the clear water phase and tuber sprouting in spring for a mismatch between periphyton and macrophyte growth.
Das Ziel des Vorhabens besteht darin, einen kontinuierlich arbeitenden 'Bioethanol-Reaktor' zu entwickeln, der ähnlich wie ein Biogas-Reaktor funktioniert, der aber statt Biogas Bioethanol produziert. Voraussetzung für dieses Konzept ist ein Produktionsorganismus, der den Aufschluss der Lignocellulose und die Umwandlung in Ethanol gleichzeitig bewerkstelligen kann. Ein geeigneter Organismus dazu existiert bislang nicht. Basierend auf dem Cellulosom von Clostridium thermocellum, soll daher ein Mini-Cellulosom in Hefe etabliert werden. Um den Prozess kontinuierlich betreiben zu können, soll zudem das entstehende Ethanol kontinuierlich über Blenke-Kaskaden gestrippt werden. In einen Hefestamm ist ein 'Minicellulosom' zu etablieren, das diesen ertüchtigt, selbst den zur Hydrolyse von Cellulose erforderlichen Multienzymkomplex bereitzustellen. Um diese Hefe in einem kontinuierlichen Bioethanolreaktor nutzen zu können müssen Prozess-Schritte des hydrothermischen Aufschlusses, der enzymatischen Vorhydrolyse, der Bioethanolreaktor selbst, das Strippingsystem mittels im Prozess erzeugtem CO2 sowie das erforderliche Kondensationssystem aufgebaut, angepasst optimiert und evaluiert werden.
The CASCATBEL-project (CASCATBEL: CAScade deoxygenation process using tailored nanoCATalysts for the production of BiofuELs from lignocellullosic biomass) aims to design, optimize and scale-up a novel multi-step process for the production of second-generation liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass in a cost-efficient way through the use of next-generation high surface area tailored nano-catalysts. Detailed description: Within the CASCATBEL-project a multi-step process for the production of second-generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass in a cost-efficient way will be developed through the use of tailored nano-structured catalysts. The proposed process is based on the cascade combination of three catalytic transformations: catalytic pyrolysis, intermediate deoxygenation and hydro-deoxygenation. The sequential coupling of catalytic steps will be an essential factor for achieving a progressive and controlled biomass deoxygenation, which is expected to lead to liquid biofuels with a chemical composition and properties similar to those of oil-derived fuels. According to this strategy, the best nano-catalytic system in each step will be selected to deal with the remarkable chemical complexity of lignocellulose pyrolysis products, as well as to optimize the bio-oil yield and properties. Since hydro-deoxygenation (HDO) is outlined in this scheme as the ultimate deoxygenation treatment, the overall hydrogen consumption should be strongly minimized, resulting in a significant reduction of the process costs. The use of nano-structured catalysts will be the key tool for obtaining in each chemical step of the cascade process, the optimum deoxygenation degree, as well as high efficiency, in terms both of matter and energy, minimizing at the same time the possible environmental impacts. The project will involve experiments at laboratory, bench and pilot plant scales, as well as a viability study of its possible commercial application. Thereby, the integrated process will be assessed according to technical, economic, social, safety, toxicological and environmental criteria. Focus IUE: IUE is involved in feedstock selection and characterization for the project. The main objective is to estimate current and future availability of lignocellulosic biomass in the EU. In addition IUE participates in an overall process assessment of the project. This is based on technical, economic, social, environmental and toxicological criteria that will be applied along the project to assess the different options being considered. These tasks will be critical for selecting the most convenient intermediate deoxygenation treatment, the optimum catalysts and the optimum operating conditions. Furthermore, a process design will be generated and a feasibility study will be conducted at commercial scale.
1. Vorhabensziel Trocknungsprozesse sind essentiell bei der Herstellung/Verarbeitung von Rohstoffen in Industrie und Landwirtschaft. Die benötigte Wärme wird aktuell fast nur aus fossilen Energieträgern erzeugt, was hohe CO2-Emissionen und Kosten verursacht. Das Ziel des Vorhabens ist die Entwicklung eines innovativen effizienten Trocknungssystems basierend auf einem neuartigen Solarluftkollektor aus Vollkunststoff, welcher - wegen des geringen Gewichts gegenüber metallbasierten Systemen - großflächig auf Gebäuden installiert werden kann. Die erwärmte Luft wird mit hohen Wirkungsgraden und Energieausbeute bei zugleich geringen Anschaffungs- und Betriebskosten zur industriellen Trocknung verwendet. 2. Arbeitsplanung Im Rahmen des Projekts werden die Potenziale von Solarluft für bestehende Trocknungsprozesse analysiert, danach die Leistungsparameter und Fertigungsverfahren konzipiert und die Materialien ausgewählt. Darauf basierend erfolgt die Entwicklung des neuen Solarluftkollektors. Für das gesamte Kaskadensystem werden dann die Kopplung und die Steuerung entwickelt. Abschließend erfolgen der Aufbau, die Integration und die Erprobung des Demonstrators in einer Hopfentrocknungsanlage. Söhner übernimmt die Entwicklung des Kollektors und der Herstellungstechnik. Es werden die Kunststoffe ausgewählt, die Technologie zur Produktion großflächiger, dünner Bauteile für den Kollektor und der Kollektorfeldanschlüsse entwickelt. Zum Schluss werden der Demonstrator und die Kaskadenanschlüsse gefertigt.
Mercury (Hg) is a persistent micropollutant presenting a substantial risk to the environment and an important threat to the human health. Past and present Hg contaminations of surface waters are thus of major concern due to the potential of Hg to accumulate in biota and magnify in the food chain. Therefore, the improved understanding of the relationship between Hg dispersion, distribution among sediments, particles, colloids and dissolved fractions, as well as accumulation and impact to biota is a prerequisite to fully assess the Hg threat to the aquatic systems and human health. By applying an integrated approach including a combination of field studies, laboratory analyses and numerical simulations, the present proposal aims to assess the impact of the Hg in the industrially impacted surface water bodies in Romania and to identify the possible threat on these resources The project focuses on River Olt basin, as one of the most impacted surface water body in Romania, altered by the cascade dam construction and under extensive past and present industrial activity. The Rm Valcea region comprises a high number of industrial companies including a large chlor-alkali plant (Oltchim), which is recognized as important point sources of Hg. A large array of hydro(geo)logical, physical, chemical, and ecotoxicological tools will be used to address the following key issues: - Performance of Hg survey and estimation the pollution extent in water and sediments; - Determination of the transport and dispersion of Hg in water column and sediments; - Improvement of the understanding on the behaviour of Hg associated to colloids, inorganic particles and organic matter; - Assessment of the bioaccumulation and effect of Hg to different organisms with emphasis on the primary producers in particular microalgae and macrophytes; - Evaluation of the food chain transfer and possible risks for the human health. The project will largely contribute to the understanding of mercury fate and impact in the contaminated systems and improved knowledge on complex processes governing the transfer and impact of Hg from the contaminated surface waters to humans. The project is also expected to contribute broadly to solving societal problems in Romania and to provide a scientific base for a sound definition of the existing problem and understand the causal chain, as well as it will help to develop efficient and cost-effective measures for protection. Strengthening the capacity, improving integration of scientists in the international network as well as developing 'best practices' for impact assessment of pollutants are other major outcomes of the project. They will be a significant step forward contaminant assessment in the entire Danube - Black Sea - Caspian Sea region, as it is a commonly accepted that historical industrial pollution from former communist times represents a significant threat for public health.
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