Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C51444X/1
Encapsulation under glacial ice- Do microbes survive and will emerging soil function?
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor G Paton, University of Aberdeen, School of Medical Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Prosser, University of Aberdeen, Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor K Killham, University of Aberdeen, Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci
- Grant held at:
- University of Aberdeen, School of Medical Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Survey & Monitoring
- Quaternary Science
- Glacial & Cryospheric Systems
- Soil science
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- The landscapes of higher latitudes evolved through processes of glaciation. While the impact of glaciation and landscape has been studies intensively we understand little about how soil develops after ice has retreated. About one third of the Icelandic landscape is still ice impacted and the central highland resemble a wet desert environment where denuded soils harbour scant vegetation. As such this is an island that is isolated from continental influences in terms of soil colonisation. In Iceland, currently, there are two particular glaciers that have retreated this summer, Uniquely, at these two locations, soil that has been covered since the little Ice Age (400 years ago) has become visible and accessible. Soil is a function of five formation factors- (i) parent material, (ii) duration of formation, (iii) topography, (iv) climate and (v) biology. For these two exposures all of these functions are similar except the biology. The analysis of microorganisms is a complex process because we can think about them from different levels- what are they and what do they do. To answer the first question we will look at the molecular composition of the microbial community using standard techniques, for the second question we need to monitor biochemical changes in the soil. Typically, molecular analysis involves extraction of soil DNA or RNA and amplification of genes that provide information on microbial identity. The most common approach involves amplification of 16S rRNA genes, which are cloned and sequenced. Sequences are used for phylogenetic analysis to determine identity and diversity of the community. In mature soils, molecular analysis has revealed the existence of considerable microbial diversity in soil and the existence of many groups with no cultivated representative. Non-thermophilic Crenarchaeota exemplify this situation. They belong to the Archaea, one of the three major lineages of life, but Archaea are traditionally associated with extreme environments, e.g. low pH, high temperature. Non-thermophilic Crenarchaeota are abundant and ubiquitous in temperate soils but, because none has ever been cultivated, we have no information on their physiological characteristics. To assess soil function we will look at how these soils play a role in the cycling of nitrogen. By using 15N which has been incorporated into plant litter we expect that the indigenous microorganisms will use this as a carbon substrate and break down this material. We can then track how the soil processes the nitrogen from the plant litter. Instead of focussing on a single organisms we study the full process of the soil. If the process is effective then it may be concluded that sols with all the attributes of mature systems can develop from these soils that have been contained the glacier. To place the results in context, mature soil from neighbouring locations will also be sampled. These soils will also be examined using the same methods as described and we can quickly appraise if key molecular and functional attributes have developed in the soil over time or if they were present from this seed or inoculum associated with the retreating glacier. This is a challenging project as the two locations are isolated and pose considerable difficulties in sampling. Winter conditions will commence in September and it is essential that robust sampling techniques can be carried out that ensure the samples have no microbial contamination and they are kept at temperatures typical of Iceland. To achieve this objective we are collaborating with a group of soil scientists in Iceland who will assist in the fieldwork planning and execution and in the setting up of the functional soil tests at their research facility near Reykjavik. Not only do the fieldwork team require the correct weather conditions, but careful soil survey and robust sampling methods are essential to make sure that the collection is capable of answering the questions posed. This project, etc..............
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C51444X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Urgency
This grant award has a total value of £29,495
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4,500 | £12,634 | £6,549 | £5,812 |
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