Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Soil enrichment'

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 160 p.; also includes graphics. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: Warren A. Dick, Environmental Science Graduate Program. Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-160).

Our ability to predict and model the consequences of N deposition depends on our understanding of the mechanisms of N cycling. The research detailed in this thesis investigates the impact of enhanced nitrogen loading on nitrification and mineralisation in soils from two contrasting sites in Britain.  The first site is Deepsyke Forest, a Sitka spruce plantation situated in the Scottish borders.  The second site is Pwllpeiran an upland grass heath in Mid Wales.  The stable isotope, ¹⁵N, was used to measure gross mineralisation and nitrification rates at each site. This was used in conjunction with acetylene, a physiological block, which inhibits the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite; ascertain whether the dominant form of nitrification at each site was autotrophic or heterotrophic. Inorganic N concentrations at Deepsyke were highly variable.  NO₃^- levels were low at both sites but particularly at Deepsyke.  This had a major impact on the methodology used in the determination of gross transformation rates, and the subsequent analysis and interpretation of the results. Nitrification at Deepsyke was predominantly heterotrophic and rates whereas nitrification at Pwllpeiran was predominantly autotrophic. The results of a 20-day potential nitrification assay indicate that S deposition is inhibiting nitrification, while enhanced N loading is stimulating it.  No other effects of N, S or acid deposition were detectable at Deepsyke.  Similarly, no effects of N loading were found, however it was observed that heavy grazing reduced NH₄⁺ concentrations.

The primary objective of this research was to develop a landscape-oriented, process-based approach that can enhance understanding and prediction of SOC fluxes in IMLs by incorporating the key mechanisms impacting soil carbon dynamics when moving from the soilscape to the landscape. The mechanisms that are considered to be the focus of this study are redistribution of SOC due to erosion and deposition without neglecting the importance of litter incorporation into the soil column, decomposition due to microbial activity, and physical and chemical stabilization of carbon. To accomplish this objective, field experiments were performed to examine how selective entrainment of different soil size fractions, quantified through the enrichment ratio (ER), varies with management and hillslope position. Differential modes in soil mobilization between rill and interrill areas were either elevated or dampened depending on the prevalent management practice, the gradient of the site and landscape position. Sites where sediment and runoff fluxes were highest were found to have lower ER values (around unity) due to the mobilization of all size classes making static and dynamic samples almost identical. The size fractions analyzed in these experiments were found to have varying levels of carbon associated with them, especially the larger aggregates, which encapsulate organic material. Neglecting them in transport estimates could lead to large errors in predicted fluxes of SOC. For this reason, a careful attention was placed on identifying how aggregate stability varies with respect to management and hillslope position, through controlled experiments looking size distributions to reflect tillage disturbance and aggregate stability to assess resistance to rainsplash. Lastly, a landscape-oriented modeling framework was developed that captures not only the SOC spatial heterogeneity in IMLs but also determines the impacts that redistribution has on this heterogeneity and ultimately on SOC dynamics. The integrative modeling framework considers the collective effects of both rainsplash/rainfall- and tillage-induced erosion on SOC redistribution in IMLs through an ER-module developed and woven within this framework to connect an upland erosion model with a soil biogeochemical model. It provides not only size fraction updates to the active layer and ER values, but also explicitly considers the effects of splash-driven interrill erosion on those ER estimates. The model was applied to twentieth-century changes in SOC across a representative agricultural hillslope in the study watershed and compared to recent SOC data. The chronosequence in SOC storage within the erosional zone revealed that soils were continually depleted of the rich organic matter long after the 1930’s “Dust bowl” due to enhanced erosion that accompanied agricultural practices. However, conservation tillage and enhanced crop production that began in the late 1980’s reversed the downward trend in SOC losses, causing nearly 26% of the lost SOC to be regained. Results from this study can be used to aid policy and decision makers in developing a food-system that accounts for the co-evolution of human and natural activity, to develop sustainable agro-ecosystems through the use of data supported recommended best management practices.

Rhodococci are notable for their ability to degrade a variety of natural and xenobiotic compounds. Recently, interest in Rhodococcus has increased due to the discovery of a large number of genes for secondary metabolism. Only a few secondary metabolites have been characterized from the rhodococci (including 3 recently described antibiotics). Twenty-four new Rhodococcus strains were isolated from soils in East Tennessee using acetonitrile enrichment culturing and identified using 16S rRNA analysis. Forty-seven Rhodococcus strains were screened for antibiotic production using a growth inhibition assay. One strain, MTM3W5.2, had 90% similarity to the Rhodococcus opacus 16S rRNA gene sequence and produced a large zone of inhibition against R. erythropolis and a large number of closely related species. The antimicrobial compound produced by MTM3W5.2 had a large MW of 911.5452 Da and acts much like a bacteriocin but no amino acids were detected in this molecule based on TLC analysis.

Soil samples were collected from several corn fields with history of atrazine (herbicide) application. Samples were inoculated into Erlenmeyer flasks each containing 50m1 of minimal basal salts medium amended with 100 ppm atrazine as sole nitrogen source. Flasks were shaken at 200 rpm at ambient temperature and were examined daily for one week for microbial growth and/or disappearance of atrazine. Promising consortia were subcultured for further additional enrichments before characterization of potentially active protein (enzyme)fractions. Proteins from cell-free and cellbound fractions were compared for ability to denature atrazine. Following gel permeation chromatography, isolated protein fractions were examined for atrazinefound in the cell-bound fractions capable degrading degradation. Two were found in the cell-free fractions (approx. Mol. wts. 55kDa and 180kDa) and one (55 kDa) atrazine to hydroxyatrazine. Atrazine and its breakdown products (hydroxyatrazine in particular) were detected via HPLC using C18 and C8 columns with absorbance at 229 nm.
Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006.
Title from electronic title page (viewed Oct. 10, 2007). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering." Discipline: Environmental Sciences and Engineering; Department/School: Public Health.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-12-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:29:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 romero_ncs_me_jabo.pdf: 222375 bytes, checksum: d476616a717c38931554bc9504c6794f (MD5)
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
As reduções das perdas de matéria orgânica e nutrientes por erosão hídrica do solo tornam-se fundamentais, no contexto atual de sistemas de produção sustentáveis, para o aumento do seqüestro de carbono no solo e, consequentemente, diminuir as emissões de gases que contribuem para o efeito estufa como o CO2. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de quantificar as concentrações de matéria orgânica (MO) e nutrientes (P, K, Ca e Mg) e, calcular, a taxa de enriquecimento desses elementos no sedimento erodido, em área cultivada com a cultura de cana-de-açúcar, em níveis de cobertura do solo de 0% (CS0), 50% (CS50) e 100% (CS100).As parcelas experimentais foram submetidas à ação de uma chuva simulada com intensidade de 60 mm h-1, durante 65 minutos. Foram feitas análises do sedimento erodido e determinouse, as taxas de enriquecimento do mesmo em MO e nutrientes, valores estes que tiveram as seguintes variações: MO (2,9 a 0,5), P (1,5 a 0,2), K (2,4 a 0,8), Ca (3,5 a 0,5), Mg (3,3 a 0,3) sendo cobertura do solo 0% a 100% respectivamente, mostrando que a cobertura do solo de 100% é eficiente, apresentando todos os valores da taxa de enriquecimento (ER) abaixo de 0,9 e com diferença significativa para com as outras coberturas, 0% e 50%, com exceção do potássio. A cobertura do solo de 100%, em relação a 0%, reduziu a concentração de MO, no sedimento erodido, em 81,9%, a concentração de fósforo em 84,2%, a de potássio em 66,7%, a de cálcio em 84,5%, e reduziu em 89,8% a de magnésio
Reductions in losses of organic matter and nutrients by water erosion become crucial in the current context of sustainable production systems to increase carbon sequestration in soil and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the greenhouse gases like CO2. Thus the present work had a goal to quantify the concentration of organic material (MO) and nutrients (P,K,Ca, and Mg) into a erosive sediments and also make an calculate according to increasing and enrichment soil’s rates, if there are enrichment of MO and nutrients in a cultivated area of sugar-cane plantation provided with mechanical crop the next levels of soil’s coverage, 0% (CS0), 50% (CS50) and 100% (CS100). The experimental pieces were submited into a simulated raining with intensity of 60 mm h-1, during 65 minutes. After that, the analysis of the sediments, determinated the following variation: MO (2.9 to 0.5), P (1.5 to 0.2), K (2.4 to 0.8), Ca (3.5 to 0.5), Mg (3.3 to 0.3), being the soil’s coverage 0% (CS0) to 100% (CS100), showing that the soil’s coverage of 100% was efficient, presenting all values of enrichment rates (ER) below 0.9 with significant difference comparing to the others coverage, 0% (CS0) and 50% (CS50), except for potassium. The soil’s coverage of 100%, on soil’s coverage of 0%, have reduced the concentration of MO, in the erosive sediments, in 81.9%, the concentration of phosphorus in 84.2%, the concentration of potassium in 66.7%, the concentration of calcium in 84.5%, And reduced in 89.8% the magnesium concentration

Orientador: Marcílio Vieira Martins Filho
Banca: Jose Marques Junior
Banca: Zigomar Menezes de Souza
Resumo: As reduções das perdas de matéria orgânica e nutrientes por erosão hídrica do solo tornam-se fundamentais, no contexto atual de sistemas de produção sustentáveis, para o aumento do seqüestro de carbono no solo e, consequentemente, diminuir as emissões de gases que contribuem para o efeito estufa como o CO2. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de quantificar as concentrações de matéria orgânica (MO) e nutrientes (P, K, Ca e Mg) e, calcular, a taxa de enriquecimento desses elementos no sedimento erodido, em área cultivada com a cultura de cana-de-açúcar, em níveis de cobertura do solo de 0% (CS0), 50% (CS50) e 100% (CS100).As parcelas experimentais foram submetidas à ação de uma chuva simulada com intensidade de 60 mm h-1, durante 65 minutos. Foram feitas análises do sedimento erodido e determinouse, as taxas de enriquecimento do mesmo em MO e nutrientes, valores estes que tiveram as seguintes variações: MO (2,9 a 0,5), P (1,5 a 0,2), K (2,4 a 0,8), Ca (3,5 a 0,5), Mg (3,3 a 0,3) sendo cobertura do solo 0% a 100% respectivamente, mostrando que a cobertura do solo de 100% é eficiente, apresentando todos os valores da taxa de enriquecimento (ER) abaixo de 0,9 e com diferença significativa para com as outras coberturas, 0% e 50%, com exceção do potássio. A cobertura do solo de 100%, em relação a 0%, reduziu a concentração de MO, no sedimento erodido, em 81,9%, a concentração de fósforo em 84,2%, a de potássio em 66,7%, a de cálcio em 84,5%, e reduziu em 89,8% a de magnésio
Abstract: Reductions in losses of organic matter and nutrients by water erosion become crucial in the current context of sustainable production systems to increase carbon sequestration in soil and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the greenhouse gases like CO2. Thus the present work had a goal to quantify the concentration of organic material (MO) and nutrients (P,K,Ca, and Mg) into a erosive sediments and also make an calculate according to increasing and enrichment soil's rates, if there are enrichment of MO and nutrients in a cultivated area of sugar-cane plantation provided with mechanical crop the next levels of soil's coverage, 0% (CS0), 50% (CS50) and 100% (CS100). The experimental pieces were submited into a simulated raining with intensity of 60 mm h-1, during 65 minutes. After that, the analysis of the sediments, determinated the following variation: MO (2.9 to 0.5), P (1.5 to 0.2), K (2.4 to 0.8), Ca (3.5 to 0.5), Mg (3.3 to 0.3), being the soil's coverage 0% (CS0) to 100% (CS100), showing that the soil's coverage of 100% was efficient, presenting all values of enrichment rates (ER) below 0.9 with significant difference comparing to the others coverage, 0% (CS0) and 50% (CS50), except for potassium. The soil's coverage of 100%, on soil's coverage of 0%, have reduced the concentration of MO, in the erosive sediments, in 81.9%, the concentration of phosphorus in 84.2%, the concentration of potassium in 66.7%, the concentration of calcium in 84.5%, And reduced in 89.8% the magnesium concentration
Mestre

Raindrop kinetic energy and sheet flow can disintegrate aggregates during interrill erosion, a process responsible for non point source pollution. Also, the dissolution process during aggregate wetting can affect interrill erosion. These factors can be responsible for changes in particle size distribution in the sediment, especially when different tillage systems are compared. The effect of soil tillage and management on soil properties is not uniform, which determine a wide range of runoff and sediment delivery rate. Variety in these rates can be associated with pore functions and their interactions with aggregate stability. One of the objectives of this study was to analyze the wetting behavior of soil aggregates from soils under conventional tillage compared with soils under no tillage. It was expected that the wetting rate is a function of pore system and that different tillage systems would affect the soil wetting behavior based on their impact on soil structure and shape. The second objective was to analyze the relationships among soil wetting rate, particle movement, organic carbon (OC) and iron release with the sediment produced via interrill erosion. A rainfall simulation experiment was performed in the field to determine the effect of low and fast soil wetting on total soil loss through high and low kinetic rainfall energy, sediment particle size distribution and OC loss. Two soils that differed in soil textural composition and that were under conventional and no tillage were investigated. Soil loss depended largely on soil characteristics and wetting rate. Particle size distribution of sediment was changed by treatment and the proportion of particles smaller than 0.053 mm increased over time, at any kinetic energy wetting level. Temporal OC and iron release were constant, which required a continuous source principally due to aggregate slaking. An empirical model was proposed to improve an interrill erosion equation by using a bond-dissolution mechanism that identified soil as a regulator of particle release.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:53:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 293791 bytes, checksum: 147f156a431e20f2c6838dd89f149bad (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-23
In the last decades the use of stable isotopes has gained importance in several research areas, such as metabolites flow and pathways, the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on plants, and in studies of soil organic matter (SOM). Studies on the alterations and dynamics of SOM using variation in 13C natural abundance require changes in the C isotopic composition, which not always is observed. One alternative is to label plant materials with 13C, via 13CO2, so that the C isotope ratio is different from that of native soil organic matter. Thus, the objective of the current study was to investigate how homogeneous was the labeling as well the allocation to different plant parts of applied 13C. Labeling was carried out with three 4-month old eucalypt plants grown in nutrient solution using a pulse technique. Plants were exposed to an atmosphere enriched with 13CO2 using 448 dm3 -glass chambers, under controlled temperature. The CO2 concentration and the 13C/12C ratio were monitored through off-line gas samples analysis in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) along the pulse-labeling period (126 days, using three pulses per week). After the labeling period the plants were separated in leaves (mature-source leaves and young-drain leaves), branches, bark, stem, and roots, which were then analyzed in an IRMS. The results were expressed in parts per mill ( ) relative to the Pee-Dee Belemnite standard (δ13CPDB). The δ13CPDB found were: 828.07 for young leaves, 645.7 for mature leaves, 672.5 for branches, 691.9 for bark, 632.02 for stem, and 536.6 for roots. The 13C allocation and enrichment pattern among plant parts was homogeneous (statistically equal), although variations in δ13CPDB of 292 % between plant parts were observed. The eucalypt plants maintained a high CO2 absorption, thus photosynthetic rates, even under high CO2 concentrations (180.4 mmol L-1 7.934 ppmv) that are well above the normal atmospheric CO2 concentration (8.64 mmol L-1 380 ppmv). The recently fixed 13C was proportionally less respired at night in comparison to the 12C.
Nas últimas décadas, a utilização de isótopos estáveis em várias áreas de pesquisa vem se destacando, como na análise de fluxos e rotas metabólicas, análise de efeitos de estresses em plantas e, em grande escala, no estudo da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). Estudos de alterações e dinâmica da MOS usando a variação da abundância natural do 13C, requerem mudanças na razão isotópica do C. Uma das alternativas é enriquecer o material vegetal (planta) com 13C, via fixação de 13CO2, de modo que a razão isotópica seja distinta daquela da MOS original. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a homogeneidade do enriquecimento e alocação de 13C em diferentes partes da planta de eucalipto, com idade variando de 4 a 8 meses. No processo de marcação, três plantas de eucalipto cultivadas em solução nutritiva foram expostas a uma atmosfera enriquecida com 13CO2, em uma câmara de vidro (448 dm3), com temperatura em torno de 24 ºC e concentração de CO2 monitorada por um espectrômetro de massa de razão isotópica (IRMS) em amostras de ar retiradas ao longo do processo (126 dias com três pulsos de 13CO2 semanais). Após o período de marcação, as plantas foram separadas em folha (folha-fonte e folha-dreno), galho, casca, lenho e raiz, e analisadas, obtendo-se a δ13CPDB das mesmas: folha-fonte (828,07), folha-dreno (645,72), galho (672,49), casca (691,86), lenho (632,02) e raiz (536,55 ). O padrão de alocação e enriquecimento de 13C entre as partes das plantas foi homogêneo, embora com diferenças numéricas da ordem de 291 na δ13CPDB. As plantas de eucalipto mantiveram uma alta taxa de absorção de CO2 e, consequentemente, uma alta taxa fotossintética em concentrações de CO2 muito acima (180,4 mmol L-1 7.934 ppmv) do encontrado na atmosfera (8,64 mmol L-1 380 ppmv). O 13C fixado durante o dia foi liberado em menor escala na respiração noturna em comparação com o 12C.

Global change phenomena, such as forest disturbance and land-use change significantly affect elemental balances as well as the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Inappropriate land management often causes nutrient losses and finally soil degradation and loss of soil functioning. Especially in tropical ecoregions, soil degradation by nutrient losses is widely abundant. Soil microorganisms are the proximate agents of many processes performed in soils and are regarded as sensitive bio-indicators. However, the incorporation of microbial responses to the definition of critical soil conditions is not intensively developed. In the present thesis, several data analyses of the relationships between ecosystem disturbance and land-use change (natural forest, pastures of different ages, secondary succession) and a diverse set of soil ecological characteristics in the tropical mountain rainforest region of southern Ecuador were compiled. In particular, it was tested whether soil microbial biomass and community functioning were sensitive to land-use change effects. Furthermore, an information-theoretic approach was applied to find the factors that regulate soil microbial biomass and community function. Finally, in a nutrient enrichment experiment the above- and belowground responses to N and P additions were examined. The tested research questions and results were linked to the theory of ecological stoichiometry in order to connect the research to a sound and unifying scientific basis. Soil and microbial stoichiometry were affected by both land-use change and soil depth. After forest disturbance, significant decreases of soil C:N:P ratios at the pastures were fol-lowed by increases during secondary succession. Microbial C:N ratios varied slightly in response to land-use change, whereas no fixed microbial C:P and N:P ratios were observed. Shifts in microbial community composition were associated with soil and microbial stoichiometry. Strong positive relationships between PLFA-markers 18:2n6,9c (saprotrophic fungi) and 20:4 (animals) and negative associations between 20:4 and microbial N:P point to land-use change affecting the structure of soil food webs. Significant deviations from global soil and microbial C:N:P ratios indicated a major force of land-use change to alter stoichiometric relationships and to structure biological systems. Data analysis reveals a strong impact of land-use change on soil microbial biomass, C-mineralization, gross-NH4-consumption and –production rates. According to the results of the IT-approach, combined models better describe effects of land-use change on soil microorganisms than single explanation models. Microbial resources and soil chemical environment were important pre-dictors for soil microbial biomass and community functioning. Little is known about the environmental drivers of the catalytic properties of EHEs (e.g., pH, nutrients) and their functional link to the structure of soil microbial communities. The activities of the six hydrolytic enzymes were tested. Microbial production of AP responded to the low P status of the sites by a higher investment in the acquisition of P compared to C. Three major drivers of enzyme activities were found to be significant for enzyme production: 1.) Microbial demand for P regulated the production of AP, provided that N and C were available. At the natural forest site the two-fold higher specific activity of AP pointed to a high microbial P-demand, whereas the production of AP was constrained by the availability of N and DOC after pasture abandonment. 2.) Microbial biomass that was controlled by pH and resource availability was the main driver for CBH, BG and NAG activities. 3.) Substrate induction due to increased litter inputs of herbaceous plant species seemed to regulate AG and XYL activities during secondary succession. The enzymes’ affinity to substrate, as a potentially critically enzyme kinetic parameter is understudied. The data analysis suggests that microbial communities adapted to environmental changes, demonstrated high flexibility of extracellular enzyme systems and selected for enzymes with higher catalytic efficiency compared with pure cultures. Under in situ conditions, enzyme-specific environmental drivers of the Km, e.g., the pH for XYL, the C:N ratio for AP, and the C availability for NAG were found. The data demonstrated that the higher substrate affinity of XYL and AP was associated with more abundance of Gram(-) bacteria. The catalytic efficiency of enzymes decomposing cellulose, hemicellulose, and starch positively correlated with the relative abundance of Gram(-) bacteria. The turnover rate of the tested substrates was three to four times faster at the young pasture site compared with the longterm pasture and secondary succession sites. Nutrient inputs by atmospheric deposition are known to affect terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about how N and P co-limited ecosystems respond to single nutrient enrichment. In this work the susceptibility of above- and belowground ecosystem compo-nents and of their linkages in an N and P co-limited pasture to N- and P-enrichment was assessed. It was tested if the plants´responses can be explained by the concept of serially linked nutrients introduced by Ågren (2004). In this concept, the control of the growth rate by one nutrient is assumed to depend on the control of a different cellular process by another nutrient. The responses of shoot and root biomass and C:N:P stoichiometry of the grass Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) to moderate N, P, and N+P application over five years were investigated. In addition, the effects of nutrient enrichment on soil nutrient pools, on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as on microbial biomass, activity, and community structure were tested. In order to evaluate the importance of different factors explaining microbial responses, a likelihood-based information-theoretic approach was applied. The application of N+P increased aboveground grass biomass. Root biomass was stimulated by P-treatment. Grass C:N:P stoichiometry responded by altering the P-uptake or by translocating P from shoot to root. In particular, root C:N and C:P stoichiometry decreased in P- and in N-treatment. Extractable fractions of soil C, N, and P were significantly affected by nutrient enrichment. P application increased the biomass of Gram-positive bacteria and the abundance of AMF, however, results of the IT-approach suggested indirect effects of nutrient enrichment on microbes. The responses of the N and P co-limited pasture to particular nutrient enrichment support the concept of serially linked nutrients. The present study provides evidence for the fundamental importance of P for controlling resource allocation of plants in responses to nutrient enrichment. Resource allocation of the grass rather than direct effects of nutrient additions drives changes in AMF, microbial biomass, community structure, and activity
Seit dem Übergang vom Holozän zum Anthropozän greift der Mensch immer stärker in globale und regionale Stoffkreisläufe ein. Durch die Zerstörung von Naturwäldern und Landnutzungswandel werden die Strukturen und die Funktionen der Ökosysteme stark verändert. Unangepasste Landnutzung führt zu Nährelementverlusten, die mittel- bis langfristige zur Bodendegradation und zur Reduktion von Bodenfunktionen führen. Solche Veränderungen sind insbesondere in den Tropen zu beobachten. Bodenmikroorganismen spielen in den Stoffkreisläufen eine zentrale Rolle. Zudem sind sie sensitive Bioindikatoren für den Zustand von Ökosystemen. Im Gegensatz dazu, werden die Bodenmikroorganismen noch nicht ausreichend für die Zustandsbewertung von Ökosystemen verwendet. In der vorliegenden Dissertation werden verschiedene Datenanalysen zu den Beziehungen von Landnutzungswandel (Naturwald, Weiden verschiedener Alter, sekundäre Sukzession) und den Eigenschaften der Bodenmikroorganismen in einer tropischen Bergregenwaldregion Süd-Ecuadors zusammengefasst. Ein besonderer Fokus lag darauf zu prüfen, ob die mikrobielle Biomasse und die Funktionen die von der mikrobiellen Gemeinschaft geleistet werden (z.B. Enzymaktivitäten) durch den Landnutzungswandel beeinflusst werden. Ein informations-theoretischer Ansatz wurde verwendet um verschiedene Erklärungsansätze der steuernden Faktoren vergleichend zu testen. Darüber hinaus wurden in einem Weidedüngungsexperiment die Reaktionen der ober- und der unterirdischen Ökosystemkomponenten auf die Anreicherung mit N und P getestet. Um die Ergebnisse auf eine breite wissenschaftliche Basis zu stellen wurde die Untersuchungen in den Kontext der Theorie die Ökologischen Stöchiometrie eingeordnet. Die C:N:P Stöchiometrie im Boden und in den Mikroorganismen veränderte sich durch den Landnutzungswandel und mit der Bodentiefe. Mit der Weideetablierung nahmen die C:N:P Verhältnisse im Boden deutlich ab, stiegen dann nach dem Verlassen der Weiden im Zuge der sekundären Sukzession wieder an. Das mikrobielle C:N Verhältnis variierte nur leicht, dagegen zeigten das C:P und N:P Verhältnis deutliche Veränderungen durch den Landnutzungswandel. Mit diesen Veränderungen in der Boden- und Organismenstöchiometrie waren auch Veränderungen in der Struktur der mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften verbunden. Deutliche positive Beziehungen existierten zwischen den saprotrophen Pilzen und den Protozoen. Die steigenden Mengen von Protozoen waren wiederrum mit sinkendem mikrobiellen N:P verbunden. Diese Muster weisen auf Veränderungen in den Bodennahrungsnetzten durch Landnutzungsänderungen hin. Sehr deutliche Abweichungen von globalen Mustern der C:N:P Stöchiometrie deuten darauf hin, dass der Landnutzungswandel signifikanten Einfluss auf die C:N:P Stöchiometrie ausübt. Der Landnutzungswandel beeinflusste auch die mikrobielle Biomasse, die Basalatmung, sowie die mikrobielle Aufnahme und Produktion von NH4-N im Boden. Dabei zeigten kombinierte Erklärungsansätze die adäquateren Beschreibungen der Muster. In den kombinierten Modellen zur Erklärung der mikrobiellen Biomasse und der mikrobiellen Leistungen überwogen Prädiktoren der mikrobiellen Ressourcen und der bodenchemischen Umwelt. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt der Untersuchungen lag auf der Erfassung der Effekte des Land-nutzungswandels auf die Aktivität von extrazellulären Bodenenzymen. Bisher ist wenig darüber bekannt, welche Faktoren die katalytischen Eigenschaften steuern und beispielsweise, ob es Zusammenhänge zur mikrobiellen Gemeinschaftsstruktur gibt. Um diese Fragen näher zu beleuchten wurden sechs hydrolytische Enzyme basierend auf MUF-Substraten untersucht. Die mikrobielle Produktion von AP stand dabei in Zusammenhang mit dem niedrigen P-Status der untersuchten Böden. Das wurde besonders durch die hohe AP Produktion im Vergleich zu BG belegt. Im Allgemeinen konnten drei verschiedene Mechanismen festgestellt werden, die die Produktion der untersuchten EHEs vermutlich steuerten. 1.) Der P-Bedarf der Mikroorganismen regulierte die Produktion von AP, vorausgesetzt, dass ausreichend N und C zur Enzymsynthese zur Verfügung standen. 2.) Die Höhe der mikrobiellen Biomasse hat sich als wichtiger Faktor für die Produktion von CBH, BG und NAG gezeigt. Das deutet auf die konstitutive Produktion dieser Enzyme hin. 3.) Die substratinduzierte Produktion von Enzymen ist vermutlich entscheidend für die Aktivität von AG und XYL. Die Berücksichtigung der Enzymkinetiken, insbesondere der Michaelis-Menten-Konstante lieferte weitere Aufschlüsse über relevante Faktoren. Im Allgemeinen so scheint es, haben sich die mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften an die starken Umweltgradienten, die durch den Landnutzungswandel erzeugt worden angepasst. Im Vergleich zu den verfügbaren Daten aus Reinkulturen, wiesen die mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften der untersuchten Böden in der Regel eine deutlich höhere katalytische Effizienz auf. Auch für die Michaelis-Menten-Konstante sind die Faktoren enzymspezifisch. So ist für die Km von XYL der Boden-pH-Wert, für AP das C:N Verhältnis und für NAG die DOC-Menge entscheidend. Darüber hinaus haben sich deutliche Beziehungen zwischen der Menge an Gram(-)-Bakterien und der Substrataffinitäten von XYL und AP ergeben. Je höher die Gram(-)-Abundanz, desto höher war die Substrataffinität der Enzymsysteme. Gegenüber alter und degradierter Weiden, war der Umsatz der untersuchten Substrate im Oberboden der aktiv genutzten Weide drei- bis vierfach erhöht. In einem 5-jährigen Düngeexperiment in der Bergregenwaldregion der Anden Süd-Ecuadors wurden die Reaktionen des auf dieser Fläche N/P co-limitierten Grases (Setaria sphacelata), der Arbuskulären Mykorrhiza (AMF) sowie der Bodenmikroorganismen auf moderate N, P und N+P-Düngung untersucht. Die Zugabe von N+P erhöhte die oberirdische Biomasse (+61%) wohingegen die Wurzelbiomasse durch die Zugabe von P (+45%) anstieg. Die C:N:P Verhältnisse weisen auf veränderte P-Aufnahme oder Translokation von P in die Wurzeln hin. Im Besonderen verengte sich das Wurzel C:N and C:P in der P- und der N-Zugabe. Die aus dem Boden extrahierbaren C, N und P-Fraktionen wurden deutlich beeinflusst. Die Zugabe von P stimulierte die Biomasse Gram-(+)-Bakterien (+22%), die Abundanz der AMF (+46%) und die Brutto-N-Mineralisierung. Die Auswertungen deuten darauf hin, dass die Nährstoffanreicherung indirekt über die Veränderungen der Graswurzeln auf die Bodenorganismen wirkte. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass N und P in den Reaktionen von co-limitierten Pflanzen eng miteinander verbunden sind. Vor allem aber steuert P grundlegend die Allokation von Ressourcen und wirkt damit auf andere Ökosystem-komponenten, z.B. auf die Struktur und Aktivität der Bodenmikroorganismen

Daily aerosol samples were collected at the Ç
andarli which is located on Aegean coast of Turkey. A rural site was selected to monitor atmospheric pollution by long range transport. Sampling was performed in both summer and winter seasons, and in total 151 samples were obtained. Concentrations of elements in the samples were measured in order to identify sources and possible source locations of pollutants. Measured concentrations of trace elements at the Ç
andarli station were compared with those measured at various sites around the world and, also in Turkey. As a result of comparison, level of pollution at the Aegean Region was found to be lower than the Mediterranean Region and Black Sea Region. Air flow climatology at Ç
andarli was investigated in order to determine potential source regions for pollutants. Frequency of air flows from Russia and Western Europe are higher suggesting that emissions from these industrial regions affect the chemical composition of particulate matter. Besides these, it was concluded that contributions from Central and Eastern European countries are significantly high because of frequent air mass transport. Concentrations of elements measured at Ç
andarli station were found to show short and seasonal variations. Such variations in concentrations are explained by variations in the source strengths and transport patterns. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to determine sources of elements and contribution of sources to each element. This analysis revealed 5 sources, two local anthropogenic emissions factor, one soil factor, one sea salt factor and one long range transport factor. Distribution of Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) values showed that main sources of SO42- are observed in Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Ukraine and central part of Aegean region.

Les contraintes techniques et économiques induites par la gestion des lixiviats de déchets ménagers et assimilés (LDMA) pourraient être minimisées en considérant le LDMA non plus comme un déchet mais comme un « co-produit » partiellement valorisable. Parmi la diversité des constituants des LDMA, la matière organique dissoute (MOD) présente 2 intérêts majeurs : une forte charge et des processus de transformations comparables à ceux de la matière organique naturelle (MON). Ce travail de thèse s’attache donc à extraire cette MOD des LDMA selon son caractère hydrophobe et à identifier des axes de valorisation. Seules les fractions de type hydrophobe (HPO*) et transphilique (TPH*), de par leurs caractéristiques et leur réactivité, ont été considérées dans cette étude et 2 voies de valorisation ont été testées : une valorisation énergétique et une valorisation matière par amendement sur un sol en déficit de carbone organique (Corg).La caractérisation des fractions de MOD anthropiques et leur comparaison à des fractions de MON a confirmé l’intérêt majeur de leur valorisation. En effet, elles sont (i) physiquement et chimiquement comparables à la MON, (ii) quantifiables à des concentrations jusqu’à plus de 1000 fois supérieures à la MON permettant ainsi un potentiel d’extraction conséquent en comparaison aux matrices environnementales telles que les eaux de surface, et (iii) plus facilement biodégradables que la MON, tout en ne présentant aucun caractère phytotoxique avéré.Un test BMP optimisé et adapté au LDMA a été développé via un plan d’expérience, puis utilisé pour mettre en évidence l’impact du caractère hydrophobe de la MOD du LDMA sur la digestion anaérobie, et notamment la production de méthane. Selon les résultats obtenus, les molécules organiques de type transphilique favorisent la production de biogaz. De plus, la fraction hydrophile, faiblement aromatique, diminue la teneur en méthane du biogaz, contrairement à la fraction hydrophobe.Enfin, l’amendement de fractions organiques extraites de LDMA présente un réel intérêt dans le cas d’un sol initialement pauvre en Corg. La fraction HPO* permet un apport de Corg plus important comparé à la fraction TPH*, tandis que les composés transphiliques favorisent l’activité biologique du sol.Ce travail de thèse a ainsi mis en évidence l’intérêt d’extraire les fractions hydrophobe (HPO*) et transphilique (TPH*) de la MOD de LDMA afin de les engager dans des processus de valorisation énergétique et agronomique
The management of municipal solid waste leachates (MSWL) is technically and economically restrictive. It thus should be interesting to consider this effluent no more as a waste but rather as a partially valorizable “co-product”. The dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the major components of MSWL and presents a twofold interest: a high load and comparable processes of transformation to those of natural organic matter (NOM).This study thus aimed at extracting the DOM from MWSL according to its hydrophobic character and identifying ways of valorization. Only hydrophobic (HPO*) and transphilic (TPH*) fractions were considered because of their characteristics and reactivity. Two different ways of valorization were investigated: energetic valorization and enrichment of a soil with low content in organic carbon (Corg).The characterization of HPO* and TPH* fractions and their comparison with fractions of NOM confirmed their high valorizable potential. Indeed, they are physically and chemically comparable to NOM, they can be quantified at concentrations up to 1000 times higher than NOM (high extraction potential when compared to environmental matrices such as surface water), and they are more easily biodegradable than NOM without any phytotoxic character.An optimized BMP test was first developed by using an experimental design to adapt the experimental conditions to the digestion of MSWL. It was then applied in different conditions to highlight the impact of the hydrophobic character of the DOM of MSWL on the anaerobic digestion, and mainly on methane production. According to the results, the transphilic-like organic molecules improve the biogas production. Besides, the hydrophilic-like compounds with low aromatic character decrease the methane content of the produced biogas contrary to the hydrophobic fraction.Finally, organic fractions extracted from MSWL were relevant to enrich soil with low content in organic carbon. The HPO* fraction better improves the Corg content when compared to the TPH* fraction whereas transphilic-like molecules enhances the soil biological activity.With the results of this research study, the HPO* and TPH* fractions extracted from a MSWL can thus be considered both to produce biogas and particularly methane and to be amended on soils. Their extraction can thus be economically viable and their treatment no more highly costly

Anthropogenic activities create nitrogenous pollutants which threaten the existence of lowland fynbos, comprising 92 Red Data Book species and 14 Cape Flats endemics. A regional Nitrogen budget was constructed through the collation of existing data for the Cape Metropolitan Area. An NOx inventory has revealed that vehicles emit 66 % of the total NOx emissions into the atmosphere. The maximum potential N deposition is 184 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for the lowlands. Air quality in an industrial area, Goodwood, has revealed that a large proportion of the emissions remain in the air and have the potential to deposit 33 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Atmospheric N deposited on unimpacted coastal fynbos is 1.99 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Thus remnant patches of lowland fynbos are threatened by replacement by grasslands as a result of atmospheric N inputs. Direct measurements of soil N pools are required, since signals of leaching in rivers may be premature as N accumulating in soil pools may not yet have reached saturation point. NH₃ emissions, wet and dry N deposition, and atmospheric transport models are required in order to construct a N budget for the CMA. Thereafter, appropriate preventative strategies can be devised in order to prevent the replacement of remnant patches of lowland fynbos.

Sample preparation is a key step in chemical analysis, and includes isolation of target analytes, removal of interferences, preconcentration, and/or modification of target analytes (if needed). Sample preparation is also the most time-consuming and error-prone step in the whole analytical process. Traditional sample preparation techniques involve hazardous solvents. Considering the environmental and health safety, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate organic solvents in sample preparation. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) was introduced as a solvent free sample preparation technique. Capillary microextraction (CME) is one of the formats of SPME that can be easily coupled to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In SPME and CME a solvent free sample preparation is accomplished by using a sorbent coating instead of hazardous organic solvents commonly used in conventional extraction techniques. This research is focused on the development and systematic examination of novel niobia-, titania- and silica-based organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel sorbents for CME. Conventionally silica and titania based precursors were used in organi-inorganic hybrid sol-gel sorbents for CME, here novel niobia based precursor was used in creating organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel sorbents. Poly tetrahydrofuran (polyTHF) as well as electrically neutral and charged organic ligands were used to prepare the sorbents for CME coupled to HPLC. Characterization of created sol-gel sorbents, evaluation of extraction performance, and enrichment of environmentally and biomedically important analytes including organophosphorus compounds were performed. CME performances of the created sorbents were characterized by specific extraction (SE) (a measure of extraction efficiency) and desorption efficiency (DE) (a measure of completeness desorption of extracted analytes). Scientific findings of this research has shown that sol-gel niobia-polyTHF sorbent provides 60 to 70 % higher SE values for different environmentally important analytes compared to analogously prepared silica-polyTHF sorbent. This superior extraction performance can be attributed to the presence of surface Lewis acid sites undergoing Lewis acid-base interactions with analytes representing Lewis bases. The prepared sorbents also have the ability to undergo van der Waals interactions due to the presence of polyTHF. Absence of Lewis acid sites on silica surface resulted in inferior extraction efficiency compared to niobia-polyTHF sorbents. Extraction efficiency of the created sol-gel based niobia-polyTHF was also explored in the enrichment of organophosphorus pesticides and compared with that of the state-of-the-art titania-based sorbent. Sol-gel niobia-polyTHF sorbent has provided 40 to 50 % higher SE values in the enrichment of organophosphorus pesticides compared to sol-gel titania-polyTHF sorbent which can be attributed to the presence of bronsted acid sites on niobia surface (but lacking on titania) along with Lewis acid sites. To explore relative contributions of electrostatic, Lewis acid-base and van der Waals interactions between sol-gel sorbents and analytes, two sol-gel sorbents, one containing a positively charged octadecyl ligand and the other a neutral octadecyl ligand were created. Positive charge was imparted by using N-octadecyldimethyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (C18 (+ve)) as ligand bearing co-precursor. Similarly N-octadecyl trimethoxysilane was used to impart a neutral C18 ligand in sol-gel coating. Experimental results have shown that sol-gel Nb2O5-C18 (+ve) sorbent has superior extraction efficiency compared to sol-gel based Nb2O5-C18 and purely inorganic Nb2O5 sorbents in enrichment of organophosphorus compounds (nucleotides and organophosphorus pesticides). Electrostatic interactions between the positive charge of organic ligand (C18 (+ve)) and negative charge of phosphate group has contributed to the higher extraction performance of sol-gel based Nb2O5-C18 (+ve) sorbent. TiO2-C18 (+ve) sorbent was also created to compare with the novel sol-gel niobia based sorbents, since titania-based sorbents are considered as the state-of-the-art extraction material in the enrichment of organophosphorus compounds. Established research results has shown that sol-gel based Nb2O5-C18 (+ve) sorbent has provided 40 to 50 % higher specific extraction values for organophosphorus compounds compared to sol-gel based TiO2-C18 (+ve) sorbent. Desorption efficiency of sol-gel Nb2O5-C18 (+ve) and TiO2-C18 (+ve) sorbents were 96% vs 90%. This superior DE of sol-gel Nb2O5-C18 (+ve) sorbent can be attributed the higher Lewis acid strength of titania than nioiba. The developed sol-gel niobia based sorbents have also shown high pH stability compared to traditional sol-gel silica based sorbents. The created sol-gel sorbents were characterized by less than 5% run to run RSD values and also less than 5% capillary to capillary RSD values which indicated the high reproducibility of developed method. The developed sol-gel niobia sorbents are applicable to sample preparation in different fields including biomedical, environmental, forensic, defense etc.

De par ses caracteristiques physiques, la vallee de l'ill en haute alsace est particulierement sensible a la pollution. Dans cette region a vocation industrielle et agricole la contazmination du milieu se traduit par une forte mineralisation de l'eau souterraine et des retombees atmospheriques solubles, diluees mais acides. La composition naturelle: bicarbonatee calcique de l'eau de la nappe phreatique est modifiee par une charge chloro-sodique et nitrique non negligeable. Quant aux retombees, elles provoquent au sol, des apports d'elements mineraux parmis lesquels predominent les chlorures, les sulfates, les nitrates, le calcium, le potassium et le sodium

Motiviert durch die Zunahme der weltweiten Nachfrage nach hochwertigen Humusstoffen wurde am Institut für Holz- und Pflanzenchemie ein neuartiger Humusersatzstoff entwickelt. Dieses N-modifizierte Produkt wird auf Basis eines patentierten Normaldruckverfahrens der oxidativen Ammonolyse (OA) aus ligninhaltigen Ausgangssubstanzen, im vorliegenden Fall Lausitzer Braunkohle, hergestellt. Ziel war, die bisher vorliegenden Erkenntnisse der strukturellen Eigenschaften solcher Humusstoffe zu erweitern. Im Fokus standen die Gehalte und Charakteristik der Huminstofffraktionen (Humine, Humin- und Fulvosäuren). Der Stickstoff und die Art seines Einbaus in die organische Substanz spielt hierbei eine besondere Rolle. Für die Huminstoffisolierung kam die hinsichtlich der Ausbeuten und des Zeitaufwandes optimierte IHSS-Methode zum Einsatz. Wesentliche Merkmale N-modifizierter Substanzen sind erhöhte Huminsäurengehalte, zeitlich differenziert wirksame N-Bindungsformen und damit eine Diversifizierung der Funktionalität. Zusätzlich mit dem geringen Aschegehalt unterscheidet dies N-modifizierte Lausitzer Braunkohle von anderen auf Braunkohlebasis erzeugten Bodenverbesserungsmitteln des Marktes. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Huminsäuren hinsichtlich der Bereitstellung von Stickstoff und Funktionalität (z.B. Austauscherplätze) eine Schlüsselrolle einnehmen. Die Veränderungen durch die OA basieren stofflich auf der Bildung regenerierter Huminsäuren und chemisch u.a. auf der oxidativen Ringspaltung von Aromaten an nicht veretherten phenolischer OH-Gruppen von Methoxyphenolstrukturen. Dabei ist diese Reaktion entgegen früherer Annahmen nicht an eine Demethoxylierung gebunden und erfordert auch keine verschärften Reaktionsbedingungen (z.B. erhöhter Druck). Diese und weitere Reaktionsmechanismen führen zu ammoniumartig, amidartig und fest organisch gebundenen N-Bindungsformen. 15N-NMR-Spektroskopische Untersuchungen an einem 15N-angereicherten Produkt, Py-GC/MS-Untersuchungen und nasschemische Experimente zeigen, dass in der Vergangenheit die Bedeutung heterocyclischer, insbesondere heteroaromatischer N-Bindungsformen überschätzt wurde. Amidartiger Stickstoff präsentiert sich dabei als außerordentlich heterogen hinsichtlich seiner Hydrolysestabilität bzw. Pflanzenverfügbarkeit. Für die effektive Beurteilung möglicher Ausgangssubstanzen hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung für die Herstellung von Humusdüngestoffen nach dem Prinzip der OA kann der Huminsäurengehalt herangezogen werden. Er wird mit Hilfe eines degradativen Verfahrens ermittelt. Die mit dem Huminsäurengehalt in Verbindung stehenden Stoffeigenschaften von Kohlen korrelieren gut mit dem N-Einbau. Aus Sicht der Verfahrensführung hängt die Intensität des N-Einbaus eng mit dem Oxidationsregime zusammen. Durch Anwendung von reinem Sauerstoff anstelle von Luft als sehr einfach und günstig zu realisierende Maßnahme kann die Reaktionszeit halbiert werden
The development of a novel artificial humus material at the Institute of Wood- and Plant Chemistry was accounted by the increasing demand for high grade humic matter. This N-modified product base on a patented ambient pressure technology of the oxidative ammonolysis. of lignin containing substances, in particular Lusitian lignite. Objective of the work was to broadening the current knowledge of structural properties with focus on the contents and characteristics of humic substances fractions (humins, humic acids, fulvic acids). Especially attention was given to nitrogen and its way of incorporation into organic matter. For isolating humic substances the IHSS method was used. The procedure was adapted in order to increase the yield of humic acids and decrease time needed. Main characteristics of N-modified substances are higher contents of humic acids and subtly differenciateted effective N-binding forms with leads to higher diversity of the chemical functionality. This and the low ash content makes the differences to other brown coal based soil improving agents available on the marked. It has been shown that humic acids give the main part providing nitrogen and functionality (e.g. cation exchange capacity). The oxidative ammonolysis leads to regenerated humic acids as well as e.g. the clevage of aromatic structures by reactions of free phenolic groups. In contrast to former assumptions the cleavage is not strongly related to demethoxylation or strong reaction conditions like high pressure. This and other reactions lead to short, middle, and long lasting N-binding forms. 15N-NMR-spectroscopic investigations on a 15N-enriched product, Py-GC/MS-investigations and conventional investigations show an overestimation of heterocyclic, in particular heteroaromatic N-binding forms up to now. Consequently amide like nitrogen reveals as extraordinary according to its persistent behaviour to hydrolysis and plant availability respectively. Corresponding the correlation of the N-incorporation and humic acid content of raw materials the latter can be used for evaluating possible raw material for its usage for N-modification. It can be easy obtained in a degratadive way. From the process engineering point of view the success of N-incorporating is strongly correlated to the oxidation conditions during processing. Using pure oxygen instead of air shorts the needed reaction at 50%

Motiviert durch die Zunahme der weltweiten Nachfrage nach hochwertigen Humusstoffen wurde am Institut für Holz- und Pflanzenchemie ein neuartiger Humusersatzstoff entwickelt. Dieses N-modifizierte Produkt wird auf Basis eines patentierten Normaldruckverfahrens der oxidativen Ammonolyse (OA) aus ligninhaltigen Ausgangssubstanzen, im vorliegenden Fall Lausitzer Braunkohle, hergestellt. Ziel war, die bisher vorliegenden Erkenntnisse der strukturellen Eigenschaften solcher Humusstoffe zu erweitern. Im Fokus standen die Gehalte und Charakteristik der Huminstofffraktionen (Humine, Humin- und Fulvosäuren). Der Stickstoff und die Art seines Einbaus in die organische Substanz spielt hierbei eine besondere Rolle. Für die Huminstoffisolierung kam die hinsichtlich der Ausbeuten und des Zeitaufwandes optimierte IHSS-Methode zum Einsatz. Wesentliche Merkmale N-modifizierter Substanzen sind erhöhte Huminsäurengehalte, zeitlich differenziert wirksame N-Bindungsformen und damit eine Diversifizierung der Funktionalität. Zusätzlich mit dem geringen Aschegehalt unterscheidet dies N-modifizierte Lausitzer Braunkohle von anderen auf Braunkohlebasis erzeugten Bodenverbesserungsmitteln des Marktes. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Huminsäuren hinsichtlich der Bereitstellung von Stickstoff und Funktionalität (z.B. Austauscherplätze) eine Schlüsselrolle einnehmen. Die Veränderungen durch die OA basieren stofflich auf der Bildung regenerierter Huminsäuren und chemisch u.a. auf der oxidativen Ringspaltung von Aromaten an nicht veretherten phenolischer OH-Gruppen von Methoxyphenolstrukturen. Dabei ist diese Reaktion entgegen früherer Annahmen nicht an eine Demethoxylierung gebunden und erfordert auch keine verschärften Reaktionsbedingungen (z.B. erhöhter Druck). Diese und weitere Reaktionsmechanismen führen zu ammoniumartig, amidartig und fest organisch gebundenen N-Bindungsformen. 15N-NMR-Spektroskopische Untersuchungen an einem 15N-angereicherten Produkt, Py-GC/MS-Untersuchungen und nasschemische Experimente zeigen, dass in der Vergangenheit die Bedeutung heterocyclischer, insbesondere heteroaromatischer N-Bindungsformen überschätzt wurde. Amidartiger Stickstoff präsentiert sich dabei als außerordentlich heterogen hinsichtlich seiner Hydrolysestabilität bzw. Pflanzenverfügbarkeit. Für die effektive Beurteilung möglicher Ausgangssubstanzen hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung für die Herstellung von Humusdüngestoffen nach dem Prinzip der OA kann der Huminsäurengehalt herangezogen werden. Er wird mit Hilfe eines degradativen Verfahrens ermittelt. Die mit dem Huminsäurengehalt in Verbindung stehenden Stoffeigenschaften von Kohlen korrelieren gut mit dem N-Einbau. Aus Sicht der Verfahrensführung hängt die Intensität des N-Einbaus eng mit dem Oxidationsregime zusammen. Durch Anwendung von reinem Sauerstoff anstelle von Luft als sehr einfach und günstig zu realisierende Maßnahme kann die Reaktionszeit halbiert werden.
The development of a novel artificial humus material at the Institute of Wood- and Plant Chemistry was accounted by the increasing demand for high grade humic matter. This N-modified product base on a patented ambient pressure technology of the oxidative ammonolysis. of lignin containing substances, in particular Lusitian lignite. Objective of the work was to broadening the current knowledge of structural properties with focus on the contents and characteristics of humic substances fractions (humins, humic acids, fulvic acids). Especially attention was given to nitrogen and its way of incorporation into organic matter. For isolating humic substances the IHSS method was used. The procedure was adapted in order to increase the yield of humic acids and decrease time needed. Main characteristics of N-modified substances are higher contents of humic acids and subtly differenciateted effective N-binding forms with leads to higher diversity of the chemical functionality. This and the low ash content makes the differences to other brown coal based soil improving agents available on the marked. It has been shown that humic acids give the main part providing nitrogen and functionality (e.g. cation exchange capacity). The oxidative ammonolysis leads to regenerated humic acids as well as e.g. the clevage of aromatic structures by reactions of free phenolic groups. In contrast to former assumptions the cleavage is not strongly related to demethoxylation or strong reaction conditions like high pressure. This and other reactions lead to short, middle, and long lasting N-binding forms. 15N-NMR-spectroscopic investigations on a 15N-enriched product, Py-GC/MS-investigations and conventional investigations show an overestimation of heterocyclic, in particular heteroaromatic N-binding forms up to now. Consequently amide like nitrogen reveals as extraordinary according to its persistent behaviour to hydrolysis and plant availability respectively. Corresponding the correlation of the N-incorporation and humic acid content of raw materials the latter can be used for evaluating possible raw material for its usage for N-modification. It can be easy obtained in a degratadive way. From the process engineering point of view the success of N-incorporating is strongly correlated to the oxidation conditions during processing. Using pure oxygen instead of air shorts the needed reaction at 50%.

Ce manuscrit est consacré à l’élaboration de phases monolithiques à base de dioxyde de titane pour les techniques séparatives appliquées à l’analyse des produits phosphorylés. La partie bibliographique situe d’abord l’intérêt des monolithes pour le développement des techniques séparatives en portant une attention particulière à la problématique de miniaturisation. L’état de l’art sur l’utilisation du dioxyde de titane, dans les sciences séparatives, est ensuite établi. À ce niveau, les principales caractéristiques physico-chimiques et chromatographiques de ce matériau sont revues pour les lits particulaires. Un descriptif de la synthèse des monolithes de dioxyde de titane par le procédé sol-gel est ensuite détaillé avant d’illustrer la mise en oeuvre de ce type de colonnes dans les techniques séparatives. La partie expérimentale est axée d’abord sur la compréhension du comportement du dioxyde de titane particulaire en chromatographie liquide à interaction hydrophile (HILIC). Le travail expérimental est ensuite orienté vers l’élaboration d’un procédé sol-gel répétable, permettant d’obtenir le matériau sous le format monolithique. Dans un premier temps, le support est élaboré sous forme de barreau, dont l’utilisation potentielle après mise en colonne est illustrée dans le cadre de la purification et de l’enrichissement des acides aminés phosphorylés. Des adaptations de protocole sont apportées pour la synthèse in situ de ces monolithes à l’intérieur des capillaires afin de répondre aux contraintes des techniques séparatives miniaturisées. Ces monolithes sont caractérisés en HILIC, par comparaison avec les phases particulaires. Pour terminer, les propriétés chromatographiques originales de ces phases sont mises à profit pour la séparation et le traitement d’échantillons, contenant des produits phosphorylés
This manuscript is dedicated to the development of monolithic titania phases for chromatographic analysis of phosphorylated compounds. The bibliography section first summarizes the interest of monolithic phases for the development of separation techniques while emphasizing on the problem of miniaturization. The state of the art on the use of titanium dioxide in liquid chromatography techniques is established. In this subject, the physico-chemical and chromatographic behaviour of this material are reviewed for particle beds. Then a detailed description of the sol-gel synthesis of monolithic titania is presented with a final illustration of the potential use of this support in separation techniques. The experimental part concentrates first on the analysis of the chromatographic behaviour of particulate titania in the hydrophilic interaction mode (HILIC). The work is then focused on the development of a repeatable sol-gel process that enables the formation of monolithic titania. The monolithic phase is first synthesized at a large scale, and its potential use, after column cladding, is illustrated with the purification and enrichment of phosphorylated amino acids. The elaboration process is also adapted to meet with the miniaturized separation techniques by performing an in situ synthesis route within capillary columns. These columns are characterized in HILIC by comparison with the chromatographic properties observed for titania particulate beds. The original behaviour of native titania observed also for the synthesized monolithic phases is finally applied to the separation and sample treatment of mixtures of phosphorylated products

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Drylands are the largest terrestrial biome on the planet, and the critically important systems that produce approximately 40% of global net primary productivity to support nearly 2.5 billion of global population. Climate change, increasing populations and resulting anthropogenic effects are all expected to impact dryland regions over the coming decades. Considering that approximately 90% of the more than 2 billion people living in drylands are geographically located within developing countries, improved understanding of these systems is an international imperative. Although considerable progress has been made in recent years in understanding climate change impacts on hydrological cycles, there are still a large number of knowledge gaps in the field of dryland ecohydrology. These knowledge gaps largely hinder our capability to better understand and predict how climate change will affect the hydrological cycles and consequently the soil-vegetation interactions in drylands. The present study used recent technical advances in remote sensing and stable isotopes, and filled some important knowledge gaps in the understanding of the dryland systems. My study presents a novel application of the combined use of customized chambers and a laser-based isotope analyzer to directly quantify isotopic signatures of transpiration (T), evaporation (E) and evapotranspiration (ET) in situ and examine ET partitioning over a field of forage sorghum under extreme environmental conditions. We have developed a useful framework of using satellite data and trend analysis to facilitate the understanding of temporal and spatial rainfall variations in the areas of Africa where the in situ observations are scarce. By using a meta-analysis approach, we have also illustrated that higher concentrations of atmospheric CO2 induce plant water saving and the consequent available soil water increases are a likely driver of the observed greening phenomena. We have further demonstrated that Leuning’s modified Ball-Berry model and RuBP limited optimization model can generally provide a good estimate of stomatal conductance response to CO2 enrichment under different environmental conditions. All these findings provide important insights into dryland water-soil-vegetation interactions.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia do Ambiente apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
A presente dissertação teve como objetivo avaliar o enriquecimento do solo em carbono e nutrientes com o substrato orgânico SO-MUSAMI (SO). Em seis casos de estudo estudou-se a taxa de variação anual (TVA) do carbono e as alterações nutricionais no solo.A eficácia do SO foi avaliada através de variáveis biométricas da planta e do rendimento da produção.Os quantitativos de SO/m2 aplicados variaram desde os 20 kg/m2, em culturas forrageiras, a 80 kg/m2, em culturas hortofrutícolas. Os resultados indicam TVA variando desde os 15% a 50% no primeiro ano, decrescendo nos dois anos subsequentes, com enriquecimento do solo em carbono e nutrientes no final dos 3 anos de estudo.O desenvolvimento vegetativo das culturas do maracujá e da bananeira foi classificado de excelente para os padrões culturais local e superior nos tratamentos com SO por comparação com o tratamento testemunha. A produção, função de múltiplos fatores, nos tratamentos com SO foi equivalente à testemunha na cultura do maracujá, superior na cultura da bananeira em modo de produção biológica, e classificada de excelente na cultura do ananaseiro em estufa nos dois primeiros ciclos culturais e normal no terceiro ciclo.O enriquecimento excessivo do solo em nutrientes, nomeadamente em azoto e fósforo, resultado de TVA muito elevadas, não originou disfunções no desenvolvimento vegetativo e reprodutivo das culturas testadas.O pH e a razão C/N do solo, mesmo para as doses mais elevadas de SO aplicadas, mantiveram-se no intervalo favorável à atividade microbiana.Os resultados do presente trabalho confirmam estudos anteriores e mostram que o substrato orgânico SO-MUSAMI pode ser recomendado como melhorador das caraterísticas físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo, como alternativa aos fertilizantes minerais e apropriado para o modo de produção biológica.
The following dissertation had as a goal the evaluation of the enrichment of the soil in carbon and nutrients with the organic substrate SO-MUSAMI (SO). In six study cases the annual variation rate (TVA) of the carbon and the nutritional alterations of the soil were studied.The efficiency of the SO was evaluated through the biometrical variables of the plant and the yield of the production.The applied quantities of SO/m2 varied from 20 kg/m2, in forage cultures, to 80 kg/m2, in horticultures. The results indicate TVA varying from 15% to 50% in the first year, decreasing in the subsequent years, with the enrichment of the soil in carbon and nutrients at the end of the 3 years of study.The vegetative development of the passion fruit and banana tree cultures was classified as excellent according to the local cultural standards and superior in the treatments with SO when compared to the treatment of reference.The production, function of multiple factors, in the treatments with SO was equivalent to the reference in the passion fruit culture, superior in the banana tree culture developed in biological production mode, and classified as excellent in the greenhouse pineapple culture during the first two cultural cycles and normal in the third cycle. The excessive enrichment of the soil in nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphor, result of very high TVA, didn’t originate dysfunctions in the vegetative and reproductive development of the tested cultures.The pH and C/N ratio of the soil, even for high doses of applied SO, remained between the favorable intervals to the microbial activity.The results of the current work confirm previous studies and show that the organic substrate SO-MUSAMI can be recommended as an improver of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, well as an alternative to mineral fertilizers and appropriated to a biological production mode.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Buffalo, 2008.
Title from PDF title page (viewed Jan. 20, 2009). Available through UMI ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Thesis adviser: Zubrow, Ezra B.W. Includes bibliographical references.

Global change phenomena, such as forest disturbance and land-use change significantly affect elemental balances as well as the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Inappropriate land management often causes nutrient losses and finally soil degradation and loss of soil functioning. Especially in tropical ecoregions, soil degradation by nutrient losses is widely abundant. Soil microorganisms are the proximate agents of many processes performed in soils and are regarded as sensitive bio-indicators. However, the incorporation of microbial responses to the definition of critical soil conditions is not intensively developed. In the present thesis, several data analyses of the relationships between ecosystem disturbance and land-use change (natural forest, pastures of different ages, secondary succession) and a diverse set of soil ecological characteristics in the tropical mountain rainforest region of southern Ecuador were compiled. In particular, it was tested whether soil microbial biomass and community functioning were sensitive to land-use change effects. Furthermore, an information-theoretic approach was applied to find the factors that regulate soil microbial biomass and community function. Finally, in a nutrient enrichment experiment the above- and belowground responses to N and P additions were examined. The tested research questions and results were linked to the theory of ecological stoichiometry in order to connect the research to a sound and unifying scientific basis. Soil and microbial stoichiometry were affected by both land-use change and soil depth. After forest disturbance, significant decreases of soil C:N:P ratios at the pastures were fol-lowed by increases during secondary succession. Microbial C:N ratios varied slightly in response to land-use change, whereas no fixed microbial C:P and N:P ratios were observed. Shifts in microbial community composition were associated with soil and microbial stoichiometry. Strong positive relationships between PLFA-markers 18:2n6,9c (saprotrophic fungi) and 20:4 (animals) and negative associations between 20:4 and microbial N:P point to land-use change affecting the structure of soil food webs. Significant deviations from global soil and microbial C:N:P ratios indicated a major force of land-use change to alter stoichiometric relationships and to structure biological systems. Data analysis reveals a strong impact of land-use change on soil microbial biomass, C-mineralization, gross-NH4-consumption and –production rates. According to the results of the IT-approach, combined models better describe effects of land-use change on soil microorganisms than single explanation models. Microbial resources and soil chemical environment were important pre-dictors for soil microbial biomass and community functioning. Little is known about the environmental drivers of the catalytic properties of EHEs (e.g., pH, nutrients) and their functional link to the structure of soil microbial communities. The activities of the six hydrolytic enzymes were tested. Microbial production of AP responded to the low P status of the sites by a higher investment in the acquisition of P compared to C. Three major drivers of enzyme activities were found to be significant for enzyme production: 1.) Microbial demand for P regulated the production of AP, provided that N and C were available. At the natural forest site the two-fold higher specific activity of AP pointed to a high microbial P-demand, whereas the production of AP was constrained by the availability of N and DOC after pasture abandonment. 2.) Microbial biomass that was controlled by pH and resource availability was the main driver for CBH, BG and NAG activities. 3.) Substrate induction due to increased litter inputs of herbaceous plant species seemed to regulate AG and XYL activities during secondary succession. The enzymes’ affinity to substrate, as a potentially critically enzyme kinetic parameter is understudied. The data analysis suggests that microbial communities adapted to environmental changes, demonstrated high flexibility of extracellular enzyme systems and selected for enzymes with higher catalytic efficiency compared with pure cultures. Under in situ conditions, enzyme-specific environmental drivers of the Km, e.g., the pH for XYL, the C:N ratio for AP, and the C availability for NAG were found. The data demonstrated that the higher substrate affinity of XYL and AP was associated with more abundance of Gram(-) bacteria. The catalytic efficiency of enzymes decomposing cellulose, hemicellulose, and starch positively correlated with the relative abundance of Gram(-) bacteria. The turnover rate of the tested substrates was three to four times faster at the young pasture site compared with the longterm pasture and secondary succession sites. Nutrient inputs by atmospheric deposition are known to affect terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about how N and P co-limited ecosystems respond to single nutrient enrichment. In this work the susceptibility of above- and belowground ecosystem compo-nents and of their linkages in an N and P co-limited pasture to N- and P-enrichment was assessed. It was tested if the plants´responses can be explained by the concept of serially linked nutrients introduced by Ågren (2004). In this concept, the control of the growth rate by one nutrient is assumed to depend on the control of a different cellular process by another nutrient. The responses of shoot and root biomass and C:N:P stoichiometry of the grass Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) to moderate N, P, and N+P application over five years were investigated. In addition, the effects of nutrient enrichment on soil nutrient pools, on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as on microbial biomass, activity, and community structure were tested. In order to evaluate the importance of different factors explaining microbial responses, a likelihood-based information-theoretic approach was applied. The application of N+P increased aboveground grass biomass. Root biomass was stimulated by P-treatment. Grass C:N:P stoichiometry responded by altering the P-uptake or by translocating P from shoot to root. In particular, root C:N and C:P stoichiometry decreased in P- and in N-treatment. Extractable fractions of soil C, N, and P were significantly affected by nutrient enrichment. P application increased the biomass of Gram-positive bacteria and the abundance of AMF, however, results of the IT-approach suggested indirect effects of nutrient enrichment on microbes. The responses of the N and P co-limited pasture to particular nutrient enrichment support the concept of serially linked nutrients. The present study provides evidence for the fundamental importance of P for controlling resource allocation of plants in responses to nutrient enrichment. Resource allocation of the grass rather than direct effects of nutrient additions drives changes in AMF, microbial biomass, community structure, and activity.
Seit dem Übergang vom Holozän zum Anthropozän greift der Mensch immer stärker in globale und regionale Stoffkreisläufe ein. Durch die Zerstörung von Naturwäldern und Landnutzungswandel werden die Strukturen und die Funktionen der Ökosysteme stark verändert. Unangepasste Landnutzung führt zu Nährelementverlusten, die mittel- bis langfristige zur Bodendegradation und zur Reduktion von Bodenfunktionen führen. Solche Veränderungen sind insbesondere in den Tropen zu beobachten. Bodenmikroorganismen spielen in den Stoffkreisläufen eine zentrale Rolle. Zudem sind sie sensitive Bioindikatoren für den Zustand von Ökosystemen. Im Gegensatz dazu, werden die Bodenmikroorganismen noch nicht ausreichend für die Zustandsbewertung von Ökosystemen verwendet. In der vorliegenden Dissertation werden verschiedene Datenanalysen zu den Beziehungen von Landnutzungswandel (Naturwald, Weiden verschiedener Alter, sekundäre Sukzession) und den Eigenschaften der Bodenmikroorganismen in einer tropischen Bergregenwaldregion Süd-Ecuadors zusammengefasst. Ein besonderer Fokus lag darauf zu prüfen, ob die mikrobielle Biomasse und die Funktionen die von der mikrobiellen Gemeinschaft geleistet werden (z.B. Enzymaktivitäten) durch den Landnutzungswandel beeinflusst werden. Ein informations-theoretischer Ansatz wurde verwendet um verschiedene Erklärungsansätze der steuernden Faktoren vergleichend zu testen. Darüber hinaus wurden in einem Weidedüngungsexperiment die Reaktionen der ober- und der unterirdischen Ökosystemkomponenten auf die Anreicherung mit N und P getestet. Um die Ergebnisse auf eine breite wissenschaftliche Basis zu stellen wurde die Untersuchungen in den Kontext der Theorie die Ökologischen Stöchiometrie eingeordnet. Die C:N:P Stöchiometrie im Boden und in den Mikroorganismen veränderte sich durch den Landnutzungswandel und mit der Bodentiefe. Mit der Weideetablierung nahmen die C:N:P Verhältnisse im Boden deutlich ab, stiegen dann nach dem Verlassen der Weiden im Zuge der sekundären Sukzession wieder an. Das mikrobielle C:N Verhältnis variierte nur leicht, dagegen zeigten das C:P und N:P Verhältnis deutliche Veränderungen durch den Landnutzungswandel. Mit diesen Veränderungen in der Boden- und Organismenstöchiometrie waren auch Veränderungen in der Struktur der mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften verbunden. Deutliche positive Beziehungen existierten zwischen den saprotrophen Pilzen und den Protozoen. Die steigenden Mengen von Protozoen waren wiederrum mit sinkendem mikrobiellen N:P verbunden. Diese Muster weisen auf Veränderungen in den Bodennahrungsnetzten durch Landnutzungsänderungen hin. Sehr deutliche Abweichungen von globalen Mustern der C:N:P Stöchiometrie deuten darauf hin, dass der Landnutzungswandel signifikanten Einfluss auf die C:N:P Stöchiometrie ausübt. Der Landnutzungswandel beeinflusste auch die mikrobielle Biomasse, die Basalatmung, sowie die mikrobielle Aufnahme und Produktion von NH4-N im Boden. Dabei zeigten kombinierte Erklärungsansätze die adäquateren Beschreibungen der Muster. In den kombinierten Modellen zur Erklärung der mikrobiellen Biomasse und der mikrobiellen Leistungen überwogen Prädiktoren der mikrobiellen Ressourcen und der bodenchemischen Umwelt. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt der Untersuchungen lag auf der Erfassung der Effekte des Land-nutzungswandels auf die Aktivität von extrazellulären Bodenenzymen. Bisher ist wenig darüber bekannt, welche Faktoren die katalytischen Eigenschaften steuern und beispielsweise, ob es Zusammenhänge zur mikrobiellen Gemeinschaftsstruktur gibt. Um diese Fragen näher zu beleuchten wurden sechs hydrolytische Enzyme basierend auf MUF-Substraten untersucht. Die mikrobielle Produktion von AP stand dabei in Zusammenhang mit dem niedrigen P-Status der untersuchten Böden. Das wurde besonders durch die hohe AP Produktion im Vergleich zu BG belegt. Im Allgemeinen konnten drei verschiedene Mechanismen festgestellt werden, die die Produktion der untersuchten EHEs vermutlich steuerten. 1.) Der P-Bedarf der Mikroorganismen regulierte die Produktion von AP, vorausgesetzt, dass ausreichend N und C zur Enzymsynthese zur Verfügung standen. 2.) Die Höhe der mikrobiellen Biomasse hat sich als wichtiger Faktor für die Produktion von CBH, BG und NAG gezeigt. Das deutet auf die konstitutive Produktion dieser Enzyme hin. 3.) Die substratinduzierte Produktion von Enzymen ist vermutlich entscheidend für die Aktivität von AG und XYL. Die Berücksichtigung der Enzymkinetiken, insbesondere der Michaelis-Menten-Konstante lieferte weitere Aufschlüsse über relevante Faktoren. Im Allgemeinen so scheint es, haben sich die mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften an die starken Umweltgradienten, die durch den Landnutzungswandel erzeugt worden angepasst. Im Vergleich zu den verfügbaren Daten aus Reinkulturen, wiesen die mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften der untersuchten Böden in der Regel eine deutlich höhere katalytische Effizienz auf. Auch für die Michaelis-Menten-Konstante sind die Faktoren enzymspezifisch. So ist für die Km von XYL der Boden-pH-Wert, für AP das C:N Verhältnis und für NAG die DOC-Menge entscheidend. Darüber hinaus haben sich deutliche Beziehungen zwischen der Menge an Gram(-)-Bakterien und der Substrataffinitäten von XYL und AP ergeben. Je höher die Gram(-)-Abundanz, desto höher war die Substrataffinität der Enzymsysteme. Gegenüber alter und degradierter Weiden, war der Umsatz der untersuchten Substrate im Oberboden der aktiv genutzten Weide drei- bis vierfach erhöht. In einem 5-jährigen Düngeexperiment in der Bergregenwaldregion der Anden Süd-Ecuadors wurden die Reaktionen des auf dieser Fläche N/P co-limitierten Grases (Setaria sphacelata), der Arbuskulären Mykorrhiza (AMF) sowie der Bodenmikroorganismen auf moderate N, P und N+P-Düngung untersucht. Die Zugabe von N+P erhöhte die oberirdische Biomasse (+61%) wohingegen die Wurzelbiomasse durch die Zugabe von P (+45%) anstieg. Die C:N:P Verhältnisse weisen auf veränderte P-Aufnahme oder Translokation von P in die Wurzeln hin. Im Besonderen verengte sich das Wurzel C:N and C:P in der P- und der N-Zugabe. Die aus dem Boden extrahierbaren C, N und P-Fraktionen wurden deutlich beeinflusst. Die Zugabe von P stimulierte die Biomasse Gram-(+)-Bakterien (+22%), die Abundanz der AMF (+46%) und die Brutto-N-Mineralisierung. Die Auswertungen deuten darauf hin, dass die Nährstoffanreicherung indirekt über die Veränderungen der Graswurzeln auf die Bodenorganismen wirkte. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass N und P in den Reaktionen von co-limitierten Pflanzen eng miteinander verbunden sind. Vor allem aber steuert P grundlegend die Allokation von Ressourcen und wirkt damit auf andere Ökosystem-komponenten, z.B. auf die Struktur und Aktivität der Bodenmikroorganismen.

abstract: Human activity has increased loading of reactive nitrogen (N) in the environment, with important and often deleterious impacts on biodiversity, climate, and human health. Since the fate of N in the ecosystem is mainly controlled by microorganisms, understanding the factors that shape microbial communities becomes relevant and urgent. In arid land soils, these microbial communities and factors are not well understood. I aimed to study the role of N cycling microbes, such as the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), the recently discovered ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and various fungal groups, in soils of arid lands. I also tested if niche differentiation among microbial populations is a driver of differential biogeochemical outcomes. I found that N cycling microbial communities in arid lands are structured by environmental factors to a stronger degree than what is generally observed in mesic systems. For example, in biological soil crusts, temperature selected for AOA in warmer deserts and for AOB in colder deserts. Land-use change also affects niche differentiation, with fungi being the major agents of N2O production in natural arid lands, whereas emissions could be attributed to bacteria in mesic urban lawns. By contrast, NO3- production in the native desert and managed soils was mainly controlled by autotrophic microbes (i.e., AOB and AOA) rather than by heterotrophic fungi. I could also determine that AOA surprisingly responded positively to inorganic N availability in both short (one month) and long-term (seven years) experimental manipulations in an arid land soil, while environmental N enrichment in other ecosystem types is known to favor AOB over AOA. This work improves our predictions of ecosystem response to anthropogenic N increase and shows that paradigms derived from mesic systems are not always applicable to arid lands. My dissertation also highlights the unique ecology of ammonia oxidizers and draws attention to the importance of N cycling in desert soils.
Dissertation/Thesis
Ph.D. Biology 2013