Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry analysis of permafrost soil organic carbon composition and interactions in the Arctic environment
EMSL Project ID
48192
Abstract
Arctic permafrost soils contain as much organic carbon as was believed to exist in all soils worldwide and are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Yet, the exact chemical form and composition of soil organic matter (SOM) are poorly defined due to its heterogeneous sources, which have severely limited our ability to understand its chemical and biological interactions and degradation rates, and thus to model and predict its impact on climate. This proposed research aims to 1) use the state-of-the art mass spectrometry techniques to obtain high resolution measurements and dynamic changes of the chemical composition, molecular structure, and turnover rates of SOM across different landscapes and redox zones in the permafrost and during soil warming experiments under the DOE-BER funded Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiment in the Arctic (NGEE-Arctic); and 2) utilize similar measurement strategies to pin-point specific molecules and functional groups in SOM reacting with minerals and contaminant metals such as mercury (Hg), as a result of permafrost degradation. The proposed study is of critical importance in understanding the molecular-scale mechanisms of soil C degradation, predicting greenhouse gas feedbacks, and elemental cycling such as mercury and its potential to exacerbate associated human and environmental risks as a result of warming climate.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2014-06-01
End Date
2014-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members